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Take Sunshine for healthy bones

30 November -0001

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Women are being urged by the charity Womens' Health concern, to tackle the risk of osteoparosis, with a dose of Vitamin D.

The charity launched the campign after a study showed that in women who suffered a hip fracture, 79% were also suffering a shortage of vitamin D.

Karen Winterhalter, executive director of WHC, said the research was 'very worrying'.
'Bone fractures take a terrible toll, especially after the menopause, and many could be prevented with lifestyle measures and proper treatment,'

Most people realise that calcuim in the diet is important for healthy bones. Wat few know is that without Vitamin D, the body can't use calcium effectively

Vitamin D, or the Sunshine Vitamin as it's known is actually a hormone, created by the skin as a result of exposure to sunlight.

According to Concern for Womens Health, everyone is at risk of developing Osteoparosis as they get older. It's known as the silent disease, because there may be no outward signs or symptoms, and the disease may not be discovered by doctors until the sufferer has already broken a bone.

It affect both sexes, but post menopausal women are at the most risk because bone loss is accelerated varying degrees after the menopause due to reduced oestrogen which helps protect the bones.

There are a number of things everynoe can do to protect against osteoparosis:

  • Get regular excercise
    There is evidence that weight-bearing exercise strengthens bones and protects against fragility fractures and osteoporosis. Children and adults should be encouraged to exercise regularly. Low-impact weight-bearing exercise such as walking or running is of most benefit.
  • Ensure a healthy diet
    A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is necessary to protect against osteoporosis and strengthen bones. The UK recommended daily dose of calcium for adults is 700mg. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for people over 65 years is 400 IU (10ìg).
  • Quit Smoking
    Smoking can have an effect on hormones in men and women. Tobacco lowers oestrogen levels in women which helps guard against bone loss. In men, tobacco lowers testosterone levels which again can lead to weaker bones. Women who smoke have been shown to have a greater risk of hip fracture than non-smokers, with the risk increasing in line with cigarette consumption.
  • Avoid alcohol
    Regular consumption of more than 2 to 3 units a day of alcohol may be damaging to the skeleton, even in young women and men.

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