Bone Health

Progressive loss of bone density, making bones fragile and prone to fracture. Risk factors: post-menopause (biggest for women), age (especially over 65), low body weight, family history, prolonged steroid use, smoking, excess alcohol, low calcium or vitamin D. Silent until a fracture happens. Common Indian fractures: hip, spine, wrist. DEXA scan measures bone density.

For most Indian adults, yes — dietary calcium is often below recommendation (600-1200 mg/day depending on age and status) and vitamin D deficiency is widespread. Test vitamin D level first; supplement based on the number. Calcium ideally from food (dairy, ragi, sesame, green leafy vegetables) with supplements to fill gaps. Very high-dose calcium supplements (over 1500 mg/day) may raise cardiovascular risk — moderate doses are safer.

Balance and strength training (yoga, tai chi, weight-bearing exercise, standing-on-one-foot practice), home safety (remove loose rugs, good lighting, grab bars in bathroom, non-slip footwear), medication review (some medications cause dizziness or dropping BP on standing), vision correction, and adequate vitamin D. Fear of falling paradoxically increases fall risk by reducing activity — stay engaged with movement.

Osteoporosis: bones become weaker and more likely to fracture (silent until a fracture). Osteoarthritis: joint cartilage wears down, causing joint pain and stiffness. Different conditions, different treatments — can coexist. Osteoporosis needs bone-strengthening interventions; osteoarthritis needs joint-focused treatment (weight loss, exercise, pain management, sometimes joint replacement).

Yes — for women 65+, men 70+, or younger adults with risk factors (early menopause, prolonged steroid use, low body weight, family history of hip fracture, previous fragility fracture). Repeat every 1-2 years if osteoporosis is present or being treated. It's a quick, low-radiation test. Results guide whether medication is needed — and osteoporosis medications, taken correctly, meaningfully reduce fracture risk.