Fragile, delicate bones can be prevented with simple action steps, and new choices. New choices about better nutrition; simple action steps about removing potential hazards and creating a safe environment where you live; and beginning a gentle exercise program.

Low bone density is just a comparison against a 'normal group'.

"Osteoporosis" is not a death sentence.

If your T-Score is low, it only indicates you have a little bone loss (osteopenia) or more bone loss (osteoporosis), as compared to that 'normal' group.

As you learn more about the causes of bone loss, you'll find that you can do something about it.

Look at this as an opportunity to get back in touch with life, to look at yourself a little differently, and make new decisions that will allow you to have a little more fun.

Fragile, delicate bones can be improved with new choices and simple action steps, simple actions taken every day.

Osteoporosis can be reversed with new decisions. New decisions about better nutrition; and simple actions steps about removing potential hazards and creating a safe environment where you live; and fun... beginning a gentle exercise program with new friends.

The T-Score is the basis of the diagnosis of osteoporosis, and as Dr. Dennis Black says regarding the diagnosis of osteoporosis, "We must free
ourselves from the tyranny of the T-Score". That means, there is more to osteoporosis than a diagnosis attached to a number (the T-Score)...

"...physicians should be careful to provide women with as much knowledge as possible about the other factors that are likely to influence their risk of fracture and some indicators of how the measurements might affect their lifestyle, management of their condition, and cost of medical care."

If your T-Score is a low, indicating osteopenia or osteoporosis, look at this as an opportunity to get back in touch with life, look at yourself a little differently, and have a little more fun.

From the Surgeon General's Report:
"You can prevent most falls."

"Falls are not just the result of getting older. But as you age, falls become more dangerous."

"Most falls can be prevented. By changing some of the things listed here, you can lower the chances of falling for you or someone you love."

"Begin a regular exercise program."

• "Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better.

• "Exercises that improve balance and coordination, like dancing and Tai Chi, are the most helpful. Consider joining an organized program at your local community center or gym.

"Make your home safer."

• "Remove things you can trip over from stairs and places where you walk.

• "Remove all small rugs.

• "Don’t use step stools. Keep items you need within easy reach.

• "Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the bathtub or shower.

• "Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.

• "Use brighter light bulbs in your home.

• "Add handrails and light in all staircases.

• "Wear shoes that give good support and have non-slip soles.

"Ask a health care professional to review your medicines."

• Ask your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional to review all the medicines you are taking.

• Make sure to mention over-the-counter medicine, such as cold medicine.

• As you get older, the way some medicines work in your body can change.

• Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you drowsy or light-headed, which can lead to a fall.

"Have your vision checked."

• "Poor vision increases your risk of falling. You could be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision."

These are the common-sense things every one of us should do. I mean, all of us. Falls are hurtful, and if you have fragile bones from osteoporosis, they can turn your life up-side down.

Once again, a little bit of prevention is far better than trying to fix it later.

I'd like you to look into Tai Chi. Go to the YWCA, YMCA, or the Community College, or somewhere, and ask a few questions.

The people who use Tai Chi as an exercise are open and friendly, and would love to meet you and tell you what they do, and why they do it. Tai Chi is soft, smooth, and graceful... it will show you a gentle, easy way to get to know yourself again.

It really isn't exercise (okay, it really is exercise) but it is not exercise the way we grew up thinking of the word 'exercise'. The flowing, directed motions improve nerve/muscle coordination in the most amazing, almost effortless way.

Better coordination reduces the risk that you will fall. Simple.

Look in the phone book, call a yoga teacher or the park and recreation district, they will know where you should go.

And regarding the list, above... Take this list today, and walk through your house with 'new' eyes. Look around for those subtle little things that could cause a fall, and move it, fix it, change it, do whatever you need to do to remove the risk or hazard.

Look at your house with new eyes, and then start to look at yourself with new eyes.

You really don't want to fall and not be able to get up, no matter what age you are. Take the time to do this, today, even if you are only 35 years old.

If you need help moving the sofa, get it... call your friend, your neighbor, invite them over for tea in exchange for a review of your house and a little assistance.

Take care of this, please, today. Use this as an opportunity to expand your own life just a little. We want you to be safe, and to be well.

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Surgeon General Report Introduction Page

Osteoporosis Home Page

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