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Osteoporosis sufferers may find relief in chair yoga
If going to the gym sounds too much, yoga is said to be one of the best workouts you can do to prevent osteoporosis.
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If going to the gym sounds too much, yoga is said to be one of the best workouts you can do to prevent osteoporosis. (Shutterstock/stockfour)
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silent disease, osteoporosis can strike suddenly without the sufferer having experienced any prior symptoms. Unlike the flu, which makes your throat sore, nose runny and body feel feverish, it gives no warning, leaving you unprepared.
"People usually find out after something happens to them. Someone once told me that whenever she slipped or fell, she always broke her leg instead of simply straining her muscle. It was only after she had a bone density scan that she discovered she had osteoporosis," shared Dr. Suci Sutinah, a medical advisor for PT Bayer Indonesia, at a campaign event related to the disease on Oct. 16 in Jakarta.
Caused by the loss of mineral content, osteoporosis makes bones in the body more porous and therefore more prone to fractures.
A low intake of nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, protein, dairy food, fruits and vegetables are among the factors that can increase one's risk of getting this condition.
"Women going through the menopause are especially at risk, as the menopause lowers their estrogen level, which automatically lowers their body's ability to absorb calcium," said Suci.
According to Susi, until the age of 30, our bodies have the ability to optimally absorb calcium.
"After 30, our absorption ability lowers. Hence the daily requirements for calcium are different based on age and special conditions. Daily requirements for children, for instance, will increase as they get older," said Susi, adding that it is recommended to consume high calcium foods before you reach your 20s to allow your body to get used to absorbing the mineral.
