We started life as The Bone Health Consultancy, a specialist service aimed at offering personalised bone health and falls prevention advice and tailored consultations to individuals on a one to one basis.
We continue to offer these unique and personal services, as Bone Health, under the umbrella ofThe Independent Living Advisor alongside other services and products, we feel can help everyone to lead healthy and fulfilling lives
We also offer professional group training, talks and presentations in Bone Health, Osteoporosis and Falls Prevention to businesses and other organisations who can benefit from bone health awareness
Who is at risk of osteoporosis and broken bones?
• Did either of your parents break their hip after a minor bump or fall?
• Have you ever broken a bone after a minor bump or fall?
• Have you ever taken ‘steriod’ tablets for more than 3 months?
• Have you lost more than 5cm (2inches) in height?
• Do you regularly drink heavily (in excess of safe drinking limits?)
• Do you smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day?
• Do you suffer frequently from diarrhoea (caused by Coeliac or Crohn’s disease)?
Men
Have you ever suffered from impotence, lack of libido or other symptoms related to low testosterone levels?
Women
Did you have your menopause before you were aged 45 years? Or, have your periods stopped for more than 12 months, (other than because of pregnancy)?
The factors that can put people at risk of osteoporosis and fractures include:
Genes – Our bone health is largely dependent on the genes we inherit from our parents. In fact, if one of your parents has broken a hip, you may be more susceptible to developing osteoporosis and fragile bones.
Age – Bone loss increases in later life. So, by the age of 75years about half of the population will have osteoporosis. As we get older bones become more fragile and more likely to break.
Gender – Women have smaller bones than men and they also experience the menopause which accelerates the process of bone turnover. The female hormone oestrogen has a protective effect on bones. At the menopause (normally around the age of 50) the ovaries almost stop producing this hormone reducing the protection it gives to bones.
Race – People who are Black Afro Caribbean are at a lower risk because they have bigger and stronger bones.
Low body weight – If you have low BMI (body mass index) below 22g/m2 you are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
Previous fractures – If you have already broken bones easily, including in the spine, then you are much more likely to have fractures in the future.
How can I keep my bones healthy?
The steps to bone health are simple:
- Eat the recommended daily amounts of calcium and vitamin D
- Engage in regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises
- Stop smoking
- Drink Alcohol only in moderation
- Talk to the Bone Health Consultancy about your bone health
How common is Osteoporosis?
- Osteoporosis occurs when bones become thin and fragile
- In the UK one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer a fragility fracture due to osteoporosis
- Fractures commonly affect the wrists, spine and hips