Defend yourself against bone frailty during the winter season
The holiday season is done, and you may think that your winter worries are over. But don’t be deceived! Sure, you may be finished preparing loads of mashed potatoes for the in-laws, and perfectly wrapping presents for under the tree, but now it is time to take care of something even more important – yourself.
Though osteoporosis is always a concern, particularly for postmenopausal women, it is important to be even more on your guard during the winter season. After all, the most trustworthy treatment for osteoporosis is preventative. Check out our tips on how to keep your bones healthy and fracture-free during the winter weather!
Battling for your Bones: Preventative and Trustworthy Treatment for Osteoporosis
Vitamin D
The biggest key to trustworthy treatment for osteoporosis and protecting your bones this winter is being aware of your Vitamin D intake. As your trusted orthopedic office will tell you, the key to having healthy bones is getting enough calcium to support bones that are losing mass due to age. The key to getting enough calcium, though, is getting enough Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is necessary for the proper absorption of calcium into the body. And one of the crucial ways our bodies get Vitamin D is through the sun.
However, unless you spend winter near the equator, your sun exposure will be less than other times during the year. Therefore, it is more likely that your bones will weaken due to this lessened sun exposure during the blustery winter months.
In order to offset the losses in sunlight, ask your doctor about taking a Vitamin D supplement, or increasing the dose of the supplement you may be taking during the rest of the year to help keep your bones strong. This natural treatment for osteoporosis will keep your bones stronger, paired with a diet rich in calcium.
Fall Risk
In addition to lack of sunlight, the winter months also bring another danger: risk of falling due to snow and ice.
Bones on the brink of breaking due to osteoporosis will be most at risk during the winter, when the likelihood of falling increases. Each year, about one-third of adults over age 65 will fall. Follow these tips to decrease your chances of falling this winter:
- During the winter, carry a small bag of rock salt or kitty litter in your car or coat pocket. Sprinkle a small amount on roads and sidewalks that look slippery while walking.
- Wear rubber shoes with good traction, or upgrade to slip-on snow and ice cleats that fit right over your shoe for added stability.
- Be aware of slippery marble and wood floors inside buildings, and stick to carpeted areas of rugs.
- Keep your porch and driveway in good repair throughout the year, and install hand railings anywhere that might create a high-fall risk during the winter.
- Rather than carry a purse, use a backpack or fanny pack to keep your hands free to hold onto railings, or to catch yourself if you do begin to fall.
- Consider wearing hip pads or protectors to give added cushion in the event that you do fall.
Allied Bone and Joint: Trustworthy Treatment for a Life in Motion
For more information on how to keep your life in motion, even with osteoporosis, contact Allied Bone and Joint today! We provide trustworthy treatment for osteoporosis and will work with you to find the right treatment that works for your lifestyle, your injury and your wallet!
