Bone Health [ 5 things that put you at risk ]

"Drink your milk!" We all heard this repeatedly as children, and were assured that by doing so, we were building strong, healthy teeth and bones. Having dutifully drunk many glasses of milk in childhood, many adults rarely give a second thought to our bones. Unfortunately, this puts us at risk of debilitating injuries caused by bone loss.

Here are five ways you may be putting your bone health at risk and easy steps to do something about it.

    1) High Stress:  Stress impacts chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, but did you know that the excess cortisol produced in our adrenal glands when we are stress is associated with bone density loss? Managing your stress level is vital, so built up a repertoire of easy and enjoyable stress busters.

   2) Sedentary lifestyle: This not only applies to people who choose not to exercise. Bone loss is related to periods of bed rest or injuries that force you to be non-weight bearing for an extended period of time. Regular exercise is one of the best way to keep bones healthy and strong. Find activities that you enjoy that get you moving regularly.

   3) Dieting: A healthy body weight can reduce the risk of heart attack and certain cancers, but the yo-yo effect - losing 15/20 lbs and gaining it back - can be problematic for bones. When we lose weight, we lose muscle water and bone density along with fat cells. When we regain weight, we're only adding back fat cells, not muscle and bone. Get essential nutrients, including vitamin D, phosphorous, magnesium, and adequate calcium, and do activities that keep your bones healthy.

   4) What we eat and drink: Our bodies need balance to function optimally. What we eat and drink affects that balance and our bone health. Carbonated beverages affects the delicate balance of calcium/phosphorous required for good bone health. Other things to watch out for are too much protein, caffeine and alcohol.

   5) Medical conditions: Some of the biggest culprits when it come to bone loss are other medical conditions and treatments. If you are being or have been, treated with steroids or have had cancer treatments, or use medication associated with bone loss ( including Depo-Provera, a birth control medications, and Dilantin), talk to your doctor about risk of developing osteoporosis and assessing your bone health.

Women and men with risk factors for osteoporosis, including women who are post menopausal or over 65, should discuss with their doctor steps to maintain good bone health.

A dexa scan measures bone mineral density and is one of the most accurate ways to diagnose osteopenia or osteoporosis. Follow-up testing assesses whether a treatment plan working. A radiologist interprets the finding and prepares a report for your doctor who develops and manages treatment, if necessary.

Source: Health and Beauty Magazine