Everyone wants to be happy. Whether it’s achieved through success, personal accomplishment, or day to day satisfaction, most people would say that happiness is the goal they would most like to achieve.

But how does food factor into your happiness? Does what you eat affect how you feel?

According to a new study to be published in the Social Indicators Research journal, the happiest people eat seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Researchers from the University of Warwick and Dartmouth College analyzed the health habits of 80,000 people in England. This research included diets, exercise habits, employment, and whether or not they smoked. Psychological health indicators, such as life satisfaction, mental well-being, disorders, happiness, nervousness and feeling “low” were also factored into the study.

Even when all of these aspects of their lifestyle were factored, one link remained prominent: the more fruits and vegetables people ate, the happier they were. To be specific, those who ate seven portions of fruits and vegetables daily were the happiest.

The study measured one portion as 2.8 ounces, with a small apple being about 5 ounces as a reference.

The rule of thumb has always been five servings of fruits and vegetables are suggested to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of cancer. So adding a few more servings into your diet could give you that extra boost to maximize your happiness level.

More research is currently being conducted to find an explanation for the correlation between fruit and vegetable intake and happiness. At this time, it could be that happy people just enjoy eating more fruits and vegetables.
If you are looking for But it might be worth the shot to give you that extra pep in your step each day.

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But how can you and your family stay protected from illness? Here are a few tips on staying healthy this cold and flu season!

Eat Healthy. The American Dietetic Association reports that eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables is one way to boost immunity. The CDC emphasizes drinking plenty of water to help the immune system function properly. Staying away from junk food and focusing on vitamin-packed foods is a great way to steer clear of illness this season.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle. Sleeping is a great way to stay healthy, with seven to eight hours a night being the ideal. Without sufficient sleep, the body has trouble fighting off disease. The American Dietetic Association recommends sleep as an important component of fighting infection. The CDC also recommends maintaining an active lifestyle and adding moderate exercise to your day to boost immune function and help your body fight the cold and flu.

Get Rid of Germs. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day. The CDC recommends washing your hands before and after food preparation and eating, before and after caring for someone who is ill and after you blow your nose, cough or sneeze. Sanitizing items that come in contact with other people, such as keyboards, children’s toys, etc., are a great way to prevent viruses and other illnesses from affecting you.

Get Vaccinated. Although no vaccine exists for the common cold, you can get vaccinated against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control states that getting a flu vaccine once a year is the best step toward prevention during the cold and flu season. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, up to 20 percent of Americans will develop the flu each year. While the CDC recommends the flu vaccine for anyone who wants it, some groups should definitely consider it. They include the elderly and children younger than four (but over 6 months), women who are expecting and people who work in health care related fields.

But what many women do not know is that this extreme menstrual cycle is a condition known as abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) or menorrhagia, with one in four women suffering from AUB.

The physicians at Healthy Woman OB/GYN, located in both Freehold and Colts Neck, are using a new technique that provides results in a simple procedure.

“In the past, thermoablation was the only option for women, which meant heavy scarring. Now, we have cryoablation,” says Dr. Rebecca Cipriano of Healthy Woman OB/GYN.

Cryoablation uses sub-zero temperatures to reduce or eliminate the uterine lining. The cold temperatures freeze the lining, and with the uterine lining reduced or eliminated, there’s less tissue to shed each period. The result means dramatically less menstrual bleeding for women, along with minimal scarring, no need for hormonal supplements, and high success rate.

The natural analgesic affect of these low temperatures also reduces patient discomfort during the procedure. Plus, ultrasound guidance during the procedure lets your doctor monitor the therapy as it happens, offering an additional level of safety.

“We are so fortunate to have cryoablation as an option now.  In a twelve minute office procedure 90 per cent of patients can have a lighter cycle and 50 per cent of pts close to 50 years lose their cycle altogether.”

Cryoablation is a great alternative for a hysterectomy. Women who seek to reduce, if not eliminate menstrual cycles altogether and are finished having children should consider this healthy alternative.

“Compared with hormones to lighten the cycle that hold risks of breast cancer and increased risks of high blood pressure and stroke, and hysterectomy which hold a six-week recovery time, giving cryo a chance just makes sense.”

To find out more about cryoablation, please contact Healthy Woman OB/GYN and set up an appointment with one of the physician specialists.

You’ve endured nine-plus months of nausea, backaches, restless sleep and something reminiscent of Mike Tyson’s prize-winning jabs in your ribs—now comes the fun part. Before you head out to the hospital to deliver, make sure you’ve packed enough to ensure you’ll be as comfortable as possible during your stay, but resist the urge to schlep your entire bedroom’s contents. Unsure of what should go—and stay?

Here are our top tips for a well-packed hospital bag:

Music

Music can create any kind of mood you’d like, so pack your iPod with speakers and be sure to program a few playlists to carry  you through labor and even delivery.

Breathing exercises

If you’re too uncomfortable to stretch, try a CD or download of breathing exercises, which will both physically and mentally calm you down and make you feel more at ease.

Handheld massager

For the knots and cramps that are bound to come during labor, a handheld massager will be your new best friend—and a much-needed backup for your husband!

Camera

Get ready for your close-up,  Mrs. New Mom. A fully charged camera is key to capture those priceless shots just after the baby is born.

Socks

Hospitals are notoriously chilly, and your feet will get even colder when you get ready to give birth. Pack your warmest, most comfortable pair for the big day.

Luxurious robe

It’s not always easy to feel glam when you’re ready to pop. Opt for a luxurious to drape over your nightgown when visitors arrive. It’ll look—and feel—great.

Stretchy pants

Unfortunately, your belly won’t be flat immediately after delivery (or months afterwards, but that’s another story…..). Bring along something comfortable to wear home (read: roomy and with an elastic waistband), especially if you have a c-section.

Stress cream

You’ll want a face cream to keep skin hydrated, but a stress cream has the added bonus of soothing and relaxing skin during difficult times. The lotion will come in handy for your hands and feet, too.

Baby’s first outfit

For your newborn’s first picture, you’ll want an outfit that’s adorable and classic.

Linen spray

Bring the spray that you use on your linens at home to personalize your hospital room. Some mothers like to bring their own pillows, too, but a quick spritz of your favorite linen spray will make the hospital feel more like home.

Lanolin cream

There’s no better cure for sore or cracked nipples.

Breastfeeding support pillow

Give yourself a hand when learning to breastfeed (and beyond) with a breastfeeding support pillow that easily positions baby for prime nursing.

Healthy snacks

Post-push, you’ll want to load up on healthy foods that are preferably organic, low in sugar and high in protein. Prepare a snack pack of your favorite foods, including fresh organic fruit, protein bars, hummus and vegetables and whatever else deliciously and nutritiously floats your boat.

Car seat

Make sure you have properly installed your infant car seat—you can’t get the little one home with out it. If you have questions, get it inspected by your hospital or local police or fire station, many of which offer this service for free.

Don’t forget, your hospital is not in isolation nor is it 100 miles from your house. If you forget something, don’t panic; someone will be able to bring you whatever you want whether he or she goes to your home to get it or goes to a local convenience store. Your short stay in the hospital should be happy, calm and worry-free and the right comforts from home can make all the difference.

The temperatures outside may be sizzling but what about the heat in your bedroom?

If things have cooled (thank you, hormones, stress, children, life, insert-your-reason-here), these aphrodisiac foods will spice up your fine romance by boosting your sex life naturally.

Oysters
The aphrodisiac ingredient in this seafood is zinc, which boosts sperm count and testosterone production. The result? An increased libido for your partner, and plenty of omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients for you as well.

Red Wine
They don’t say “Wine and dine ‘em” for no reason. Aside from giving you a slower, cozier buzz and freeing you of inhibitions, red wines have antioxidants that improve blood flow and blood circulation, meaning more intense orgasms in the bedroom.

Watermelon
Call it the fruit version of Viagra. Watermelons increase libido by relaxing blood vessels and have a similar effect on men as the little blue pill. It’s filled with antioxidants that improve skin and prostate health, too.

Avocados
Filled with healthy, unsaturated fats, avocados help blood flow and improve sex hormones. The folate they contain is also important for healthy sperm. Fun fact: avocado is the Aztec word for testicles!

Pomegranates
Get to your climax quicker with these sexy fruits. Rich with antioxidants, pomegranates aid blood flow, which in turn increases sensitivity. For men, the fruit delivers stronger erections.

Chocolate
The classic aphrodisiac food, chocolate helps us produce serotonin, or the “happy” chemical. On top of this feel-good factor, cocoa contains the stimulant phenylethylamine, which increase excitement levels. Not to mention they’re just plain delicious, which results in improved moods all around.

Why Get Genetic Testing?

If breast cancer or ovarian cancer runs in your family, knowing for sure whether you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation (which make it more likely you’ll get these types of cancer) can help you reduce your risk of falling victim. Fortunately, most insurance plans reimburse the fees for BRAC Analysis, a simple blood analysis. If you test positive, some of your options are:

Extra checkups: By being screened more often for breast or ovarian cancer, you’ll be able to treat it sooner if it does occur. Women under the age of 40 will want to get mammograms, even though they’re not standard at this age for the general population. Your doctor may also recommend an MRI, which is better at detecting breast cancer than a mammogram.

Medication: Research is ongoing into medicines that can help ward off breast and ovarian cancer. You may benefit from taking one if you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. Oral contraceptives (aka the pill) are also proven to reduce risk.

Surgery: Some women opt to have their breasts or ovaries removed to radically reduce their risk of cancer. This is an option only for women at a very high risk. Although the most drastic, it does cut the chances more than any other preventive measure.

Arming Yourself with More Information

Once you know whether you carry one of the genes, you’ll probably feel some relief. If the results are positive, you’ll be able to work with your doctor to create a plan to keep you healthy. Having one of the genes doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get cancer—it just means you should be extra vigilant about prevention.

The information not only helps you but also your family. Samantha, 55, told WebMD: “My grandmother died of breast cancer, my mother had breast cancer, and I just finished treatment for my own breast cancer. I’m going to have a gene test, because I want my children to know whether a BRCA gene defect runs in the family. If I test positive, my children and my brother’s family will have more information to protect their health.” Want more good news? The test will also help Samantha herself with secondary breast cancer (up to 64 percent) and ovarian cancer (up to 44 percent).

Making the Choice

How do you know if BRAC Analysis is a good idea for you? Start with this quiz, and if it indicates that you may want to look into testing, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss. BRAC Analysis is no different than any other diagnostic test patients get so loop it into your healthy living plan now. Prevention is key and the BRAC Analysis test is highly preventative.

Remember: Knowing puts the power in your hands—so if it applies to you, add looking into BRAC Analysis to your list of resolutions and make 2012 the year of being proactive.

About BRACAnalysis:

It enables you to make important choices and take steps to reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.

The results of the test can make a significant difference in your life and the lives of your family members, depending on your family history of cancer.

The cost of the test is reimbursed by most insurance plans.

If you’re wondering if BRAC Analysis is right for you, visit www.BRACnow.com for more information.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can understandably be tough on any woman—but imagine being diagnosed the very day your husband’s vice presidential bid ends. Then, once the cancer has gone into remission, having it return in the midst of your husband’s grueling campaign for presidency. And then, as if all that weren’t enough, fighting the battle while it’s publicly revealed that your husband had an affair and fathered another woman’s child.

This was the scenario for Elizabeth Edwards, who succumbed to metastatic breast cancer a year ago this month. Her struggle sparked interest in a question that researchers have been asking for years: Does stress contribute to breast cancer?

No one knows for sure, but many scientists are interested in the relationship between the two. While some factors, like the breast cancer gene (find out more about getting tested for it at www.bracnow.com), have been definitively linked to breast cancer, stress is still undergoing research.

Looking for a Link

A study last year at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that stress was a sort of “fertilizer” that spurred the growth of breast cancer in mice, as it redirected immune cells meant to ward off the disease and helped tumors spread. They also found a 30-fold increase in cancer progression in stressed mice when compared with those that were not stressed.

A long-term study of 1,400 Swedish women in 2003 reported that women who were under stress had twice the risk of developing breast cancer as women who didn’t report issues with stress. Although the study was small, it did control for other factors such as family history of cancer, alcohol use, body weight, smoking, and age when a woman first got her period. Similarly, an Israeli study in 2008 showed that young women who had been through two or more traumatic life events were at a greater risk for breast cancer than those who hadn’t.

On the other hand, many studies have failed to find a link, such as one that looked at women who had lost a child—despite the extreme stress, they were no more likely to get breast cancer than other women.

Teasing out stress and its effects is difficult—for example, people who are stressed might be more likely to eat more unhealthily, drink more alcohol, or engage in some other behavior that could increase the risk for cancer.

Stress Busters

Although stress in small doses can be a great motivator, it seems likely that the kind of stress Edwards was under only made her fight against the disease more difficult. While scientists continue their research, it’s worth de-stressing in general if you feel that anxiety and tension are having a negative impact on your life. Here are six quick tips for minimizing day-to-day stressors:

• Say no to taking on more responsibilities if you already feel overwhelmed.

• Play music that makes you happy.

• Call a friend on the phone.

• Focus on your breathing.

• Get some fresh air, especially if you’re often cooped up indoors.

• Carve out time for things you enjoy.

About BRACAnalysis:

• It enables you to make important choices and take steps to reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
• The results of the test can make a significant difference in your life and the lives of your family members, depending on your family history of cancer.
• The cost of the test is reimbursed by most insurance plans.

If you’re wondering if BRAC Analysis is right for you, visit www.BRACnow.com for more information.

Some of the most commonly used methods of birth control are hormonal. However, there are 2 different types of hormonal birth control- combined (containing estrogen and progesterone) and progestin-only. Both types are equally effective when used properly, but they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The types of progestin-only birth control are the pill (mini-pill), the shot (called Depo-Provera), implant (Implanon), and IUD (Mirena).

Progestin methods are often used in women that can’t take estrogen due to certain medical conditions. People who have had blood clots, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis should not take estrogen-containing birth control. People prone to these conditions should also not use estrogen-containing birth control. The same goes for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, smokers >35y/o, and people with migraine headaches with an aura. People who are breastfeeding usually prefer progestin-only birth control because estrogen-containing birth control can decrease their milk supply.

The most common side effect of this type of birth control is irregular bleeding. People may experience bleeding in between periods, irregular spotting throughout their cycle, or they may stop getting a period all together. People may also experience headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, or weight gain. The progestin can increase your appetite, so although the medication itself does not cause weight gain if you are hungrier you may eat more and this can lead to weight gain. Depo-Provera most commonly causes weight gain as compared to the other methods discussed here.

The progestin-only pill, or mini-pill, is a pill that is taken daily. It is important to take the pill at the exact time every day, because even a delay as little as three hours can lower the efficacy of the pill. When starting the pill you should use a back-up method of birth control for the 1st week. The same should be done if a pill is missed. If used perfectly the failure rate is about 0.3%. Along with irregular bleeding, which is the most common side effect, people may also tend to develop ovarian cysts. This medication may not be effective if used in combination with certain anti-seizure medications.

Another type of progestin-only birth control is an injection called Depo-Provera. It is an injection that is given about every 12 weeks. This injection should be given ideally during the 1st 5 days of your period. In people that are breastfeeding the shot can be given during the post partum period, and it can even be given immediately after delivery. Again the most common side effect is irregular bleeding. Many people will stop getting a period completely after several injections. It can take about 6 months or more to get a regular cycle back after stopping the injection. Depo-Provera can lead to reversible bone loss, especially if used for more than 2 years. This bone loss is reversible after discontinuation of the shot, but it is important to take in sufficient calcium and vitamin D while using the shot.

Another kind of progestin-only birth control is the implant, called Implanon. This is a small implant, about 2 x 4 cm, which is placed in the upper arm. It must be inserted and removed by a healthcare provider. It can be left in place for 3 years. It also can lead to irregular bleeding or absence of your period.

The Mirena IUD is a device that sits in the uterus for up to 5 years while slowly releasing progesterone. For more details on this refer to last months article on IUDs.

Remember that all of these methods are fairly reliable methods of birth control. They are also helpful in people who have heavy periods because it can cause them to become lighter or to stop all together. None of these protect against sexually transmitted diseases, however, so you should always use condoms if you are at risk of developing an STD. Check in next month when we’ll be discussing combined hormonal methods of birth control.

As moms and women on-the-go-go-go, we simply do not have time to get sick. It’s just not an option, right?

Here are our top ways to keep colds at bay during the sneezin’ season.

An Apple A Day

The old wives’ tale is true! Apples, especially the Red Delicious variety, are ripe with immunity-boosting antioxidants, which also increase heart and circulatory health and even lower cholesterol, thanks to their high fiber content. As with everything you are going to put in and on your body, choose organic whenever possible.

It’s A Wash

Washing your hands is one of the most effective and easiest ways to stay healthy. Scrub ‘em up good with soap and warm water (steer clear of antibacterial hand sanitizers—they do more harm than good) for a good 15 seconds (which is about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday”). In between washes, be sure to keep your hands off of your face, as germs spread into the body via nose, mouth and eyes.

Skip It, Sugar!

Sugar is indeed the biggest dietary demon. If you want to fortify your body against everything from the common cold to cancer, kick sugar to the curb once and for all (barring a treat here and there, of course).

C You Soon

Citrus is loaded with vitamin C, which supports the immune system and alkalinizes your body, which not only keeps you from getting sick but ensures that you’ve got energy to spare.

Carrots Take The Cake

Packed with infection-fighting beta-carotene, carrots (and sweet potatoes and spinach) are a tasty way to snack sickness away.

I’ll Drink To That

Staying hydrated by drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of pure water a day not only keeps things flowing to help the body get rid of toxins but it keeps mucous thin and helps your mucous membranes resist infection.

Snooze So You Don’t Lose

A good night’s sleep is key—as in absolutely essential to your overall health. Being well-rested shores up your immune system and helps fight anything wicked that comes your way. For optimal natural health and energy, commit to a solid eight hours a night.

What a Tea-se!

Skip the caffeine (especially if you want to master a good night’s sleep) and go for caffeine-free herbal tea. Packed with L-theanine, a compound that helps supports the body’s response to infection, tea has been shown to help its avid drinkers produce more anti-bacterial proteins (up to five times more!) than non-tea drinkers.

Nice Moves

Exercise not only helps keep the pounds off, but it supports all of the body’s vital functions, which, in turn, staves off colds and other winter ailments. 30 minutes a day of cardio and light weight training are the look-good, feel-good prescription for life,

This time she breaks down osteoporosis with the hope that you’ll be able to stave off the breaking down of your bones from this avoidable disease.

Osteoporosis is a disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone micro-architecture is deteriorating, and the amount and variety of proteins in bone is altered. Osteoporosis is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a bone mineral density that is 2.5 standard deviations or more below the mean peak bone mass (average of young, healthy adults) as measured by DXA. Osteoporosis is classified as primary type 1, primary type 2, or secondary. The form of osteoporosis most common in women after menopause is referred to as primary type 1 or postmenopausal osteoporosis. Primary type 2 osteoporosis or senile osteoporosis occurs after age 75 and is seen in both females and males at a ratio of 2:1. Finally, secondary osteoporosis may arise at any age and affects men and women equally. This form of osteoporosis results from chronic predisposing medical problems or disease, or prolonged use of medications such as steroids.

After the age of about 30, bone thinning is a natural process and cannot be stopped completely. Whether you develop osteoporosis depends not only on the thickness of your bones early in life but also on your health, diet, and physical activity later in life. The thicker your bones, the less likely the bones are to become thin enough to break. Young women in particular need to be aware of their risk for osteoporosis and take steps early to slow its progress and prevent complications.

A lot of physical activity during the preteen and teen year’s increases bone mass and greatly reduces the risk of osteoporosis in adulthood. If you eat a diet adequate in calcium and vitamin D and exercise regularly early in life and then continue with these healthy habits, you may be able to delay or avoid osteoporosis.

Three factors essential for keeping your bones healthy throughout your life are:

Adequate amounts of calcium

Adequate amounts of vitamin D

Regular exercise

Calcium

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends the following amounts of daily calcium from food and supplements:

Up to 1 year old — 210 to 270 milligrams (mg)

Age 1 to 3 years — 500 mg

Age 4 to 8 years — 800 mg

Age 9 to 18 years — 1,300 mg

Age 19 to 50 years — 1,000 mg

Age 51 and older — 1,200 mg

Dairy products are one, but by no means the only, source of calcium. Almonds, broccoli, spinach, cooked kale, canned salmon with the bones, sardines and soy products, such as tofu, also are rich in calcium. Consider taking calcium supplements. The IOM recommends taking no more than 2,500 mg of calcium daily.

Vitamin D

Adequate amounts of vitamin D intake is just as important to your bone health as getting adequate amounts of calcium. Scientists don’t yet know the optimal daily dose of vitamin D, but it’s safe for anyone older than 1 year to take up to 2,000 international units (IU) a day. Experts generally recommend that adults get between 400 and 1,000 IUs daily. Although many people get adequate amounts of vitamin D from sunlight, this may not be a good source if you live in high latitudes, if you’re housebound, or if you regularly use sunscreen or you avoid the sun entirely because of the risk of skin cancer. Although vitamin D is present in oily fish, such as tuna and sardines, and in egg yolks, you probably don’t eat these on a daily basis. Vitamin D supplements or calcium supplements with added vitamin D are a good alternative.

Exercise

Exercise can help you build strong bones and slow bone loss. Exercise will benefit your bones no matter when you start, but you’ll gain the most benefits if you start exercising regularly when you’re young and continue to exercise throughout your life. Combine strength training exercises with weight-bearing exercises. Strength training helps strengthen muscles and bones in your arms and upper spine, and weight-bearing exercises — such as walking, jogging, running, stair climbing, skipping rope, skiing and impact-producing sports — mainly affect the bones in your legs, hips and lower spine. Swimming, cycling and exercising on machines such as elliptical trainers can provide a good cardiovascular workout, but because such exercises are low impact, they’re not as helpful for improving bone health as weight-bearing exercises are.

Other tips in prevention:

Smoking: Smoking increases bone loss, perhaps by decreasing the amount of estrogen a woman’s body makes and by reducing the absorption of calcium in your intestine – so don’t smoke!

Avoid excessive alcohol. Consuming more than two alcoholic drinks a day may decrease bone formation and reduce your body’s ability to absorb calcium.

Thirty years ago, most people thought osteoporosis and the broken bones it can cause were a part of normal aging. That view has changed. Researchers today know a lot about how you can protect your bones throughout your life. We have learned that getting enough calcium, vitamin D and regular exercise are important for your bones. You’re never too young or too old to improve the health of your bones. Osteoporosis prevention should begin in childhood. But it shouldn’t stop there. Whatever your age, the habits you adopt now can affect your bone health for the rest of your life. Now is the time to take action.

As you may already know, being female puts you at risk of developing osteoporosis and broken bones. Women are more likely to get osteoporosis than men. First of all, women tend to have smaller, thinner bones than men. In addition, estrogen is a hormone in women that protects bones. This is why the chance of developing osteoporosis increases around the time of menopause, when estrogen levels drop sharply. In fact, in the five – seven years following menopause, a woman can lose up to 20% of her bone density.

Here are some facts:

Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about eight million or 80% are women.

Approximately one in two women over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

A woman’s risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.

But if you already have osteoporosis or are at risk for it, the good news is that there are many things you can do to prevent bone loss and broken bones. Osteoporosis and bone health issues vary for girls and women of different ages and ethnic backgrounds.

To sum it all up:

1. Osteoporosis is common

2. Osteoporosis is serious

Breaking a bone is serious, especially when you’re older. Broken bones due to osteoporosis are most likely to occur in the hip, spine and wrist, but other bones can break too. Broken bones can cause severe pain that may not go away. Some people lose height and become shorter. It can also affect your posture, causing you to become stooped or hunched. This happens when the bones of the spine, called vertebrae, begin to break or collapse. Osteoporosis may even keep you from getting around easily and doing the things you enjoy. This can make you feel isolated and depressed. It can also lead to other health problems. Twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year from problems related to the broken bone itself or surgery to repair it. Many of those who survive need long-term nursing home care.

3. Osteoporosis is costly

In 2005, osteoporosis was responsible for an estimated two million fractures and $19 billion in costs. By 2025, experts predict that osteoporosis will be responsible for approximately three million fractures and $25.3 billion in costs each year.

4. Osteoporosis can sneak up on you

You can’t feel your bones becoming weaker. You could have osteoporosis now or be at risk for it without realizing it. Often, breaking a bone is the first clue that you have osteoporosis. Or, maybe you notice that you are getting shorter or your upper back is curving forward. At this point the disease may be advanced. Fortunately, a bone mineral density test can tell if you have osteoporosis before you have these symptoms. This makes it possible to treat the disease early to prevent broken bones.

Osteoporosis and its effects can effectively be prevented and treated by simple measures. Hope you have found the information useful and will take corrective measures towards healthy bone health!