BB Fact Sheets – Health – Osteoporosis

Managing your health 

• Taking action to help prevent the onset of Osteoporosis and degree of symptoms that may affect your body is important to your overall health and wellbeing

• Take a moment to consider the risk factors associated with Osteoporosis, including family history, Rheumatoid arthritis, an overactive thyroid, liver or kidney disease, or early menopause.

• Talk to your Doctor and seek information on foods, exercise, and lifestyle changes that may help you

• Ask about lifestyle changes and treatment choices that may help the symptoms at an early stage 

Baby Boomers and Osteoporosis

• It is estimated by health peak bodies that more than one in two women and one in three men in Australia over 60 years will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture. Baby Boomer women are particularly vulnerable, and it is recommended that Post menopausal women should aim for at least 3 serves of calcium-rich foods per day to reach a total daily intake of 1000 -1300 mg/day.

• Although there are no official National screening programs, there are bone density tests you can ask for through your Doctor. There is currently a Medicare rebate on these tests if you suffer diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, overactive Thyroid, coeliac disease, chronic liver of kidney disease, or have experienced Early Menopause (before 45 ). 

What can I do?

• Get to know your own body and keep an eye out for any changes. If you feel you might be going through Menopause, or are under weight, see your doctor as soon as possible.

• Chat to your Doctor if you are worried about osteoporosis or give this information to someone you are worried about.

• Consider participating in bone density testing programs available in your State or Territory.

Osteoporosis Australia - 1800 242 141

What is Osteoporosis?                  - http://www.osteoporosis.org.au/osteo_osteoporosis.php

'A Picture of Osteoporosis’             - http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/aposia/aposia.pdf

Prevention and Management         -  http://www.osteoporosis.org.au/osteo_prevention.php

                                                      - http://www.osteoporosis.org.au/osteo_management.php

Calcium, Vitamin D & Osteoporosis - http://www.osteoporosis.org.au/oa_calcvitd_consumer.pdf

Stop the next Fracture                   - http://www.osteoporosis.org.au/Stopfracture_consumer.pdf

Bone Density testing                     - http://www.osteoporosis.org.au/Bone_Density_Testing.pdf

The Garvan Institute - Research    - http://www.garvan.org.au/research/our-work/osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Support NSW -  http://www.osteoporosis.com.au/

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this section should not be used for individual medical advice. Please see your doctor if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your health.

 This article was created by Frances Williams for babyboomers.com.au - Australia's website for Baby Boomers. Sources include Osteoporosis Australia and the Federal Government. Babyboomers.com.au is an online resource to help people find information and services on health, money, travel and recreation