Health Tips for July 14

Health Tip: Who Gets Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis affects many women and men as they age, reducing bone density and increasing the risk of bone fractures.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation offers this list of risk factors for osteoporosis:

• Being older or female.
• Having osteoporosis in the family.
• Having a small stature or thin frame.
• Being white, Asian or Hispanic.
• Having a prior bone fracture.
• Having low sex hormones.
• Getting insufficient exercise.
• Getting insufficient dietary calcium and vitamin D.
• Eating a diet that's high in caffeine, sodium and protein.
• Using alcohol or tobacco.
• Having eating disorders or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Using certain drugs, such as steroids.

Health Tip: Smoking and the Musculoskeletal System

Damage to the lungs is one of the first things people think about when it comes to the health detriments of smoking. But smoking can affect much of your body, right down to your bones and muscles.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says smoking can have the following effects on the musculoskeletal system:

• Increases risk of osteoporosis.
• Reduces bone density.
• Reduces blood supply to bones, causes bone cells to form more slowly, and impairs calcium absorption.
• Reduces the effectiveness of estrogen therapy.
• Raises your risk of hip fracture.
• Raises your risk of rotator cuff injuries.
• May contribute to low back pain and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Extends healing time after bone fractures.