After decades of relishing the sun, sea and sorpotel, health awareness is on the rise in Goa, and the local people realise that good health is an asset, and cannot be taken for granted.
Come winter, and the chilly weather puts everyone’s health at risk -- not just the contagious flu that every second person happens to catch, but all those bone and joint issues get aggravated, too.
For many, the lack of awareness of bone health has led to negligence, with the result that osteoporosis, or fragile bones, has become one of the diseases that countless adults now face, slowly making it a major health problem worldwide, and not just in Goa.
WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?
Osteoporosis is characterised by low bone mass, deterioration of bone microstructure, and compromised bone strength, resulting in an increased risk of fracture.
Typically, patients with osteoporosis experience no symptoms until they get a fracture, making diagnosis and primary fracture prevention challenging, says Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Manipal Hospital, Goa, Dr Sunny Kamat.
Such fractures carry significant morbidity and mortality risks, while treatment involves a multimodal approach, adds Dr Kamat.
TREATING OSTEOPOROSIS
According to Dr Kamat, post-menopausal women and men older than 50 are at risk of accelerated bone loss.
Fall-prevention strategies for this include exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and pharmacological therapy.
Patients need to be educated about fall-prevention strategies, such as adequate lighting, grab bars and proper footwear.
Home safety evaluations can prove invaluable in reducing falls. Additionally, there needs to be minimal use of medications that contribute to confusion and dizziness, adds Dr Kamat.
Counseling on risk factor modification, such as cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption in moderation, are also essential.
Patients with, or at risk of, accelerated bone loss must realise the importance of adequate calcium and vitamin D -- adequate exposure to sunlight, consumption of green leafy vegetables, millets and dairy products in the diet are vital.
Apart from other physiological functions, calcium is required for adequate bone mineralisation.
Vitamin D increases serum calcium by increasing intestinal absorption and renal re-absorption of calcium as well as re-absorption of calcium from bones, he explains.
Physical and occupational therapists can play a role in addressing existing balance and gait abnormalities, as well as in instructing patients in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises.
With everyone trying to work their fingers to the bone, it only seems practical not to let anything get in their way and take the necessary precautions.
As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. It’s always good to consult your doctor if you fall in the high-risk category for osteoporosis, concludes Dr Sunny Kamat.
