The Top Five Health Concerns For Women - Day 5

If you think that having a hunched back and back pain are mainly associated with old age, you would be mistaken. For our final commentary this week focusingon the top five health concerns for women, today's topic turns to osteoporosis- a disease of the bones (translating to "porous bones"). Thisdisease primarily affects post-menopausal women, at which time a woman'sbones can become very porous, break easily, and heal slowly.

However, osteoporosis is actually apediatric problem. How can that be, you ask? As children, calcium intakeis key to ensuring full growth - as well as how well your bones will develop toserve your lifetime.  Getting enoughcalcium is an ever-growing concern as life expectancy rates increase.

But there are steps women and girlscan take to avoid such problems from developing. By following the steps below, you aretaking important measures to prevent osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Facts

• As reported by the National Osteoporosis Foundation, Osteoporosis has an impact on 44 million Americans, with 68% being women (yes, men get osteoporosis, too).
• Osteoporosis is a pediatric disorder, as young bodies build up most of their bone mass until age 30, when the new bone stops forming and the bone tissue begins to focus on maintenance, then decreases as you age.

Risk factors for osteoporosisinclude:

• Female gender
• Increasing age
• Small, thin-boned frame
• Ethnicity (White and Asian women have the greatest risk)
• Family history
• Sex hormones. Infrequent menstrual cycles and estrogen loss due to menopause may increase risk.
• Gluten
• Anorexia
• Diet low in calcium and vitamin D
• Medication use, particularly glucocorticoids or some anticonvulsants
• Sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise.
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Lack of vegetables

As with any illness or disease, there is no sure-fire way of preventingosteoporosis. But by taking a proactive approach to your health, your chance ofdeveloping osteoporosis or a multitude of other health issues can be slowed oreliminated altogether (for some people). Making positive changes in eatinghabits and lifestyle, along with supplementation, may also aid in reversing theeffects of some illness and disease, including osteoporosis.

Eat a healthy diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables. Exercisedaily. Get plenty of rest. Be mindful of "you" and heed your body'swarnings that something may be amiss. Consult with your doctor or alternativehealth provider to discuss your concerns at onset - don't wait until thesymptoms persist and become unbearable and possibly irreversible.

Remember - there is only one you, so take steps to ensure mind, body andspirit are nurtured and well-maintained. Your health is your wealth!

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EdwardJ. Noa, DC, CCN, CHM, FLT
Dr. Noa's 21st Century Health
Napa & Fairfield, CA - USA

At Dr. Noa's 21st Century Health, we are committed to helping patients achieve maximum wellness without the use of harmful drugs, using an all-natural, holistic approach to health care.