Are you losing height?
Posted by Elsie Correia on
Are you losing height?
I have been reading about self-care and found it interesting that it includes regular health screening tests.
I decided it was time to check my bone density for the first time in my life this week and learned about the T-score.
The test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of Calcium and other minerals are packed into a segment of bone. If your bones have high mineral content, you have dense bones, and your bones will be less likely to break.
A bone density test determines the following:
- Identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone;
- Determine your risk of broken bones (fractures);
- Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis;
- Monitor osteoporosis treatment.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is caused by the deterioration of bone tissue, also known as the "silent thief". Bone deterioration occurs over several years without any symptoms until affected bones break. The most common fractures are in the hip, spine, wrist and shoulder. By the time the bone breaks, the disease is advanced and less treatable.
It is vital to prevent bone loss. Calcium is an essential bone mineral. The recommended Calcium intake for adults aged 26-65 is 1000mg/day. Most individuals' diets provide half the amount of Calcium they need. Supplementation is essential and ensures it contains Calcium Citrate as it is easier absorbed.
After 30, you lose a small amount of bone yearly, as the rate at which your bone tissue dissolves increases while the rate of the bone-building decreases. Bone loss in women is more rapid when a women's estrogen production reduces (between the age of 45 and 55).
The following factors increase your risk for osteoporosis:
- Losing about 3.8 cm in height;
- Fracture a bone;
- If you lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- Long-term use of steroid medication like prednisone, which interferes with the bone-rebuilding process and might lead to osteoporosis;
- Reduced estrogen from menopause or a hysterectomy increases your risk of osteoporosis.
- Bone loss can also occur if you have thyroid problems.
It is, therefore, essential to go for your annual medical checkup and take OptiCalMag which Calcium, Magnesium and Vit D3.