Osteoporosis is a condition in which a person's bones gradually thin, becoming weak and brittle. There are usually no symptoms- someone who suffers from osteoporosis generally does not know it until the bone loss has become so significant that he or she experiences pain or fractures, especially of the wrists, hip or spine. That's why making lifestyle choices that protect your bones early is so important. Some suggestions are:

 

• Eat a balanced diet that is high in calcium

• Keep active- weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, jogging or stair-climbing help strengthen your bones. (Check with your health care professional before starting an exercise program)

 

• Don't smoke!
  
• Limit alcoholic and caffeinated beverages

In addition to these measures, you should also discuss bone density testing and your risk for osteoporosis with your health care professional. (A bone density test is a non-invasive procedure that measures bone density in the lumbar- lower back- spine and hip.)

• Nutritional Counseling  
  
  Registered dieticians are available to individuals and families for therapeutic nutritional counseling. This counseling can be done on a variety of topics, including:
  
• Weight control
• Diabetes
• Infant/Child nutrition
• Low fat, low cholesterol diets

         *A diet prescription from your physician is required before an office
          visit for this service can be scheduled.

• Community Nutrition Programs  

  Nutrition education programs are available for social groups, schools, retirement communities and other organizations. Program topics are individualized to meet the needs of the group.

  For more information about the nutrition programs, please call 
  (630) 682-7400.