DID YOU KNOW? Early Warning Signs for Osteoporosis.

It might be time for a bone density test
Too often, osteoporosis only becomes obvious due to severe pain or a broken bone. Perhaps that’s why osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease”. But there are some signs that indicate it’s time to see your physician for a bone density test, including losing height, chronic back and neck pain, stooped posture, brittle nails, dental issues including bone loss, loss of grip strength, and balance issues.

Know your risks
There is some good news – by recognizing your risk for osteoporosis you can delay or manage the effects of the disease.

• Women are far more likely to experience osteoporosis. It’s a good idea for women to schedule regular bone density checkups.
• A poor diet contributes to osteoporosis. Eat a healthy protein-rich diet including greens like kale that are rich in calcium.
• Talk to your doctor about taking calcium and Vitamin D supplements.
• Smoking is a major risk factor for osteoporosis. Stop.
• Lack of exercise increases the risk of bone loss. All forms of exercise help build bone density, including walking, swimming, and especially resistance (weight) training.
• Falls are extra dangerous for those with osteoporosis. Do stretching and balance exercises and perform a home assessment for tripping hazards to reduce your risk of falls. See vnannj.org/fall-hazards for more information.

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Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency.

Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation: 973-451-4148.

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The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.

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© All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.

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