Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs as your bone mass starts to decrease. Bone is naturally broken down and replaced throughout the body on a regular basis. Osteoporosis can occur either because bone tissue breakdown occurs too quickly, or because your body does not produce new bone at a fast enough rate.
Did you know that some of your daily habits, including several things you may take for granted, can potentially cause or worsen osteoporosis? Take a look at these key habits that seniors in Hilton Head may need to avoid.
1. Inactivity
The more time you spend sitting, the more bone loss you can expect. If you find yourself sitting around on the couch or in your favorite recliner day after day, you could be accelerating bone loss. On the other hand, if you want to keep your bones strong and help build more bone density, consider the benefits of regular activity. You may, for example, want to make a habit of getting out and going for walks, gardening, or playing with your pet in the backyard. To maximize bone density, try adding strength training to your daily routine. Fortunately, the great weather around Hilton Head Island can make it easier to get outside much of the year.
2. Caffeine Consumption
Coffee may actually increase bone loss and the risk of dangerous fractures. Pay careful attention to how much coffee you're consuming. While a cup or two in the morning probably won't cause any harm, regular, excessive caffeine consumption, including drinking coffee steadily throughout the day, could increase bone loss over time.
3. Lack of Sun Exposure
Many seniors spend most of their time inside. You may feel that the temperatures in Bluffton get a little too hot for your personal comfort over time, or that you don't have the energy to get out that you once did. However, lack of sun exposure can lead to low vitamin D levels, which can cause you to lose bone density over time. Luckily, in the Hilton Head area, there are plenty of excuses for you to get out in the sun. Make regular plans to head out for a walk around the block or to sit out on the front porch and soak in some sun, especially on shorter winter days.
4. High Levels of Salt Intake
Did you know that your salt intake could decrease calcium levels? When sodium makes its way out of the body, it can take calcium along with it, leading to an overall decrease in bone density. By controlling your sodium levels, you decrease the odds that you will lose that vital bone density over time.
Protecting against osteoporosis becomes increasingly vital as you get older. While these daily habits can't guarantee that you will suffer osteoporosis, they can substantially increase your risk of developing it. If you find yourself needing help to take care of daily activities, including upkeep around the house, or in need of companionship to provide vitally-needed encouragement, Senior Helpers of Hilton Head can help. Contact us today to learn more about the services we may provide.