Osteoporosis literary means porous bones or bones which have developed holes in them. This is an exaggerated terminology because in this condition the bones become thin, weak and less dense. This weakness causes them to break (fracture) easily during minor falls and injuries. This problem affects both men and women but is more frequent and severe in women. It is estimated that every second women over 50 years of age will have a fracture of backbone or hip or wrist in her lifetime due to osteoporosis.

 

Prevention is the best way of avoiding osteoporosis and is achieved by diet and exercise. One should have a good nutritious diet which gives you enough calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus like yogurt, paneer, and green leafy vegetables.Second is to have an active lifestyle by having all kind of exercises. Walking, stationary bikes, small weights and yoga are recommended.

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Once the disease occurs and osteoporosis sets in, one is usually prescribed medicines as there is almost no role of surgery. Even medicines will not improve whatever bones have been lost but will slow down further deterioration. If you have been taking commonly prescribed medicines (Bisphosphonates-/ alendronate: used weekly or biweekly) for having low bone density, then you need to be cautious.

 

Long term use of these medicines has now been linked with problems in the jaw bone and atypical fractures of certain bones. These problems are more likely to occur if a woman takes the medication on and on for many years, as happens with many women found to have osteopenia or strong family history of fractures. The best way to prevent these complications is to give your- self a break.

 

It is recommended that for osteoporotic women, with every decade of drug use, you should take a break of 1-2 years. While women with milder problems and having osteopenia, should take a year long holiday from these medicines after every five years. But always check with your doctor before starting or stopping these medicines.