Osteopenia: A Change Today Makes a Difference Tomorrow
As some would say, “you are only as strong as the bones that carry you.” Well, this is in fact extremely true, especially for those suffering from osteopenia. While this medical condition is a precursor of sorts to osteoporosis, it can be just as debilitating. While osteoporosis is categorized a condition that depletes your bones, osteopenia essentially causes the bones to lose their density. Research shows that you are in your bone density prime around age 30. That means you have approximately 30 years to build the strongest, healthiest bones you can in order to prevent and stagnate this condition from developing and/or worsening. However, if you do get diagnosed with osteopenia, it is important to accept it and find out what the next step is to treat and move forward.
Upon being diagnosed with osteopenia, you may play 20 questions in your head about what to do next. Well, the answer is simple. Since there is no turning back to a time when you chose a Pepsi over a glass of milk or peeled the cheese off your pizza as a child, start thinking about your future with osteopenia. Can you get your bone density back to where it was at the tender age of 30? No. But you can make some adjustments to your normal lifestyle to help maintain the bone strength you have and even improve your current state. The first step in the right direction would be to speak with your doctor about treatment and medication, and adding a calcium supplement with vitamin D. Since calcium is the most vital mineral for bone mass, you should know what the best foods to consume the calcium your body needs. For starters, adding a little dairy and a green vegetable can do a body good. In addition to that, exercise is crucial to maintaining strong bones. Depending on your strength level, something like dancing, hiking or jogging are great choices, but even something simple like walking can make a tremendous impact on your bone strength. With that said, adding a little strength training to your routine can really take your mobility and strength to the next level, but speak to your doctor first to make sure it is a slow and graceful transition.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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