Monthly Guide to Better Bone Health

By News Canada0

Even though November is Osteoporosis Month, remember that keeping your bones healthy is a year-round job. The following monthly tips will help keep your bones top-of-mind all year long. You can also get more tips on keeping your bones healthy at http://www.fightosteoporosis.ca.

• November Start taking charge of your bone health. Make an appointment to talk to your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis. If you find out you need treatment, discuss your options to find one that fits your lifestyle.
• December Don’t fall while you’re decking the halls. While putting up your holiday décor, be mindful of the danger of tripping over extension cords. If you have osteoporosis, a simple fall can lead to a fragility fracture.
• January Whether it is quitting smoking, joining a yoga class with a friend, or trying a new calcium-rich recipe every week, make a resolution to be better to your bones.
• February Grab your valentine or a group of friends and dance the night away. Dancing is a great weight-bearing exercise, which is essential to helping build and maintain strong bones.
• March After months in the dark, make sure you’re getting an adequate amount of vitamin D. Adults over 50 should receive 800 IU (International Units) of vitamin D per day. You should also make sure you get 1500 mg of calcium each day.
• April As part of your spring cleaning routine, remove any household hazards that could cause a fall. For example, clear out clutter on floors, install non-skid tape and grab-bars in the tub, and make sure all handrails on stairs are secure.
• May Time to get out in the garden, but remember not to over-do it. Bend at the knees to pick up heavy objects, and if it’s too heavy, ask for help.
• June Although for many people, summer means wearing strappy sandals and heels, keep in mind that painful feet may affect your balance. Try to wear low-heeled shoes and take good care of your feet. Consider treating yourself to a pedicure.
• July Taking a summer holiday? Make sure you have all your medications. Ask your doctor about less frequent dosing options that could make it easier to take your osteoporosis medication while travelling.
• August In the dog days of summer, it can be easy to falter on your exercise routine. If it gets too hot during the day, enjoy an early morning or evening walk. Your bones will thank you.
• September Many community programs ramp up with the beginning of the school year. Check with local schools and community centres to see if any fun fitness programs are available.
• October Happy Thanksgiving! Build up your bones by including delicious, calcium-rich recipes as part of your Thanksgiving feast. Recipe ideas can be found online at http://www.fightosteoporosis.ca.

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