According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of osteoporotic patients with decreased bone mass and density increased from 906,631 in 2017 to 1,126,861 in 2021. 40% of women over the age of 50 and 10% of men have osteoporosis.
Summer fall fractures as common as winter
Osteoporotic fractures due to falls are as common in summer as in winter. When it rains and the floor gets wet, it is more slippery than an icy road, making it easy for young people to slip as well. In particular, the reason why many fall accidents occur in the summer is because of the shoes. Sandals or slippers can become slippery, and the shoes do not support the bones, so many fractures occur after a fall.
As we get older, osteoporosis occurs as there are more cells that destroy bones than cells that make bones. Alcohol is also harmful. It is thought to help sleep, but it interferes with deep sleep and the diuretic effect of alcohol causes water loss.
Osteoporosis has no obvious prognostic symptoms. First, the grip strength decreases. In order to have a strong grip, the strength of the muscles holding the bones must be good, and muscle health is closely related to bone health. If it is difficult to open the fruit jam container or turn the doorknob, it is a sign that the grip strength is weak. Hearing is also a sign that bones are weakening with aging. Gradual hearing loss is a natural symptom of aging. Periodontal disease is also involved. In addition, if your height has decreased over the past 3 years or your toenails are broken frequently, you should suspect that it is a symptom of weakened bones.
Kim Tae-hyeon, director of Orthopedic Surgery at Mokdong Himchan Hospital, said, “People who are underweight are more likely to develop osteoporosis than those of normal weight, and those who lack exercise are also at high risk. “Efforts should be made to prevent the risk of fractures by supplying sufficient minerals and vitamin D,” he said.
High-dose calcium supplements, beware of cardiovascular disease
Calcium and vitamin D deficiency leads to osteoporosis because the body can compensate by decomposing bones when there is not enough calcium. Calcium is best obtained through food. It is recommended to eat a diet rich in protein that helps bone formation, including dairy products such as anchovies and milk, and seaweed.
According to the Korean Society of Bone Metabolism, supplementing calcium through calcium supplements helps to improve bone density, but increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. High-dose calcium supplements are a problem. When calcium builds up in the blood vessels, the blood vessels become hard and block blood flow, which can worsen cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D supplementation should also be taken care of. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus, and for the formation and maintenance of bones. Sun exposure naturally produces vitamin D, but as we age, our ability to synthesize decreases, so supplements can be effective. Above all, bones need external stimulation to become stronger. You should try to do exercises that feel gravity, such as easy walking or lifting dumbbells.
Sports Dong-a reporter Kim Jae-beom [email protected] More articles by the reporter