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Smoking/Alcohol.
We all know about the health risks associated
with smoking and a high alcohol intake. In addition
to all the other problems that they can cause,
smoking and a regular high alcohol intake can
also interfere with the body's ability to maintain
normal, healthy bones. Smoking speeds up the rate
at which you lose bone, which makes you much more
likely to suffer from osteoporosis.
Lack of Exercise.
The strength of our bones is determined partly
by the physical demands placed on the skeleton.
Similar to the way in which our muscles weaken
if they are not used, bones need a certain amount
of exercise to stay strong and healthy. People
who are confined to bed or a wheelchair, or who
lead a particularly inactive lifestyle, have a
higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
Diet. We
are what we eat! To a certain extent this is true,
particularly with regard to the maintenance of
healthy bones. An inadequate intake of calcium
in the diet deprives the body of the raw materials
it needs to maintain bone mass and strength. Anyone
who is nutritionally deficient or who has a low
dietary intake of calcium-rich foods, such as
dairy products and fresh vegetables, may be at
increased risk of developing osteoporosis. In
addition, as we grow older, the amount of calcium
that our body needs changes. For example, a higher
calcium intake is recommended for children, adolescents,
women who are breast-feeding, and postmenopausal
women.
As we grow older,
we should be more conscious about what we eat.
This is because, as we age, the ability of our
digestive system to absorb the important vitamins
and minerals contained in the food that we eat
is reduced. Therefore, it is often easy for older
persons to become malnourished, even if they think
that they are eating properly.
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