What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones to become weak - easy breakable.
The culprits are to a certain extent Genetics (Your Family History) and partly lack of Calcium in the diet.

This disease can be also a cause to shortened height and can lead to a hunched back.
We all know that for our bones to be strong we need Calcium, which is absorbed from the small intestine with the help of Vitamin D. Other Vitamins, such as:

Vitamin A
Vitamin B 6 and B 12
Vitamin C and
Folic Acid, Magnesium, Silicon, Copper, Zinc and a few others, are also important for healthy bones.

Lack of these Vitamins increases the risk for the Osteoporosis.
But what not everyone knows is that the best time to fight osteoporosis is in your teens, because the peak bone mass is achieved during those years.

Dr. Ben Deheshi (orthopaedic surgeons at Osteosolusion) said that preventing bone loss starts when you are young.

Comparing Savings Account in the bank to your Bone Bank Account in your body he explained that if you start a savings plan when you are young you will have more than enough when you retire. "The same goes for building your bone account!"

Dr. Sophie Jamal, a member of Osteoporosis Canada's Scientific Advisory Council, added: "Because at the age of 20 the bone bank closes. How much bone you have in the bank account is key".

How can I find out if I am at risk?
You are at risk:
If there is history of this disease in your family
If you are white If you do not exercise If you are below a normal weight
If you are not getting enough calcium
If you are smoking
If you are drinking a lot of alcohol beverages

Can I prevent Osteoporosis?
Yes, osteoporosis can be prevented.
You cannot change your race and your family history, but there are some aspects you can, such as:

Stop drinking sodas
Stop smoking
Reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners
Reduce fat intake
Start eating a healthy diet and
Start exercising, specially weight bearing exercises.

Although, an important part of your bone health is inherited from your Parents YOU, as a parent, can start building a New and Healthy Generation by:

-Assuring that your children get a Healthy Diet,
-Make sure they are taking proper Vitamins and Food Supplements,
-Encouraging your children to participate in sports, to do exercises and to
-Lead a Healthy and Safe Life Style.

PREVENTION is a "caring mother" of your HEALTH as well as the Health of your Family. Try to practice it - you would be glad you did!

Olga O'Mara