Good Health Blog

When bones get brittle or thin they break easier. This is called ‘Osteoporosis’
It is recommended that every woman over the age of 65 have a bone density scan. But what if you are younger or male?
Men also lose bone as they age, but their bone mass generally remains adequate until much later in life. There are however certain risk factors such as reduced calcium intake and low levels of vitamin D which can increase age related bone loss. Although osteoporotic fractures are less common in men than in women, when they occur, these fractures are associated with higher disability and death than in women.

The following risk factors can increase your chance of developing osteoporosis.
* Any family history of osteoporosis and fractures
Your medical history :
Certain conditions and medications can increase your risk of osteoporosis.
* Cortico-steroids (commonly used for Asthma)
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Over-active thyroid or parathyroid glands
* Coeliac disease and other chronic gut conditions
* Chronic liver or kidney disease
The following symptoms may also indicate an increased risk of osteoporosis.
For men:
* Impotence
* Lack of libido
* Other symptoms of low testosterone levels
For women:
* If your period has stopped for 6-12 consecutive months (excluding pregnancy, menopause or hysterectomy)
* If you experience early menopause
Your lifestyle:
* Smoking
* Excessive alcohol consumption
* Diet lacking in calcium
* Lack of sunlight exposure, which may cause vitamin D deficiency
* Sedentary lifestyle over many years

The arrival of the new year is an opportunity to consider how to improve your health. The obvious goals many attempt – stopping smoking or losing weight – with varied success. You health is more important than a once a year resolution that fades within a few weeks. The first step to good health is educating your self about what you should be doing and why. There is no one quick fix. Stopping smoking may not prolong your lifeor wellbeing if you ignore the dark growing mole or forget about your cholesterol, your bowel screen, your PAP smear etc. For the average person there are 18 -20 health recommendations each year. They change as you age, depending on lifestyle, family and medical history. Some are simple – eg: know your recommended weight. Some are complex – eg Genetic counseling if a strong family history of breast cancer. All require on first step. Find out what you should be doing.
To all out subscribers in 2010 the team at eDoc would like to thank you for your support. The feedback has been excellent and we are pleased to have had a significant health impact on your lives. Please continue to send in your stories about how eDoc helped guide you to good health. Happy New year 2011 !