Friday, April 5, 2013

"Brittle Bones"

Posted by Dr. C. Robert Dushack

To the men and women of southwest Florida...be aware!

     According to the National Osteoporosis foundation, a woman’s risk of breaking a hip due to osteoporosis is equal to her risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer combined; a man age 50 or older is more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than he is to get prostate cancer.  If this doesn't grab your attention, then nothing will.  Especially considering that the median age in the Naples area is 64.2 years.  Now, imagine what is happening to those two little things (feet) that are supporting your body weight.  Hmmm...just a thought.
    Anyway, we here at Gulf Coast Foot and Ankle Center want the people of Southwest Florida to remain as healthy and active as possible.  Osteoporosis can lead to multiple debilitating conditions, and there are many controllable and non-controllable factors that can lead to this.  "The best form of prevention is an educated patient."  For that reason, here are a few as listed again by the National Osteoporosis Foundation:

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

  • Being over age 50. 
  • Being Female. 
  • Menopause. 
  • Family History. 
  • Low Body Weight/Being Small and Thin. 
  • Broken Bones or Height Loss

Controllable Risk Factors

  • Not Getting Enough Calcium and Vitamin D.
  • Not Eating Enough Fruits and Vegetables.
  • Getting Too Much Protein, Sodium and Caffeine.
  • Having an Inactive Lifestyle.
  • Smoking. 
  • Drinking too much alcohol.
  • Losing Weight.

* Your foot and ankle specialist not only can help with the conditions and symptoms associated with the sequelae related to osteoporosis, but often times are instrumental in the discovery and diagnosis of the condition.  Please call us for a complete evaluation at Gulf Coast Foot and Ankle Center Tel# (239)-566-8800

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