Dr. Mehdi Abd Al-Sahib – Orthopedic Surgeon
Prevention of osteoporosis is crucial due to the physical, financial, and psychological impact of this disease on the patient’s life, family, and community. For an example, a hip fracture drastically alters a person’s quality of life as it results in bedsores, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and the many risks associated with surgery and anesthesia. Not to mention the cost of treatment, the possibility of unemployment, and the psychological effects of having to stay indoors.
How to Prevent Osteoporosis:
1) Regular exercise helps to prevent osteoporosis. There’s evidence confirming that working out occasionally improves the life quality among older people and increases their self-reliance.
2) Eating dairy products and foods rich in calcium: Consuming calcium-rich foods from a young age is the best guarantee of strong bones.
Milk has a nutritional value that isn’t found in any other drink. It contains 17 essential nutrients for growth in children, including 5 elements called bone builders. The importance of milk is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an (and verily! In the cattle, there’s a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between excretions and blood, pure milk; palatable to the drinkers) An-Nahl, verse 66. Our prophet has also said (Whoever’s given milk by Allah, let him say: “O’ Allah, bless this milk and give us more” for I do not know food or drink that is better than milk).
3) Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
4) Don’t drink a lot of coffee.
5) Don’t consume a lot of food that is rich in protein and fats, as too much protein increases urinary calcium excretion.
6) Avoid bone fractures by using a walking stick or a walker when necessary, and wear comfortable shoes.
7) Cut back on salty food to decrease the amount of calcium in your urine.
8) Cut back on soft drinks.
9) Don’t bend down to carry things, but bend your knees and keep your back straight.
10) Be cautious when using sedatives or other drugs that cause drowsiness, muscle weakness, and poor judgment, especially when waking up during the night to use the bathroom.
11) Protect your vision and ensure the safety of your glasses or contact lenses. Good eyesight reduces the chance of stumbling upon hidden obstacles.
12) Moderate, non-burning sun exposure helps to increase vitamin D.
13) Preventive treatment by taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.
We wish you good health.
