Your bones are the framework of your healthy longevity
Ten million Americans have osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) and another 44 million have low bone density, aka osteopenia, putting them at risk for life-altering bone fractures to their hips, spine and more. In fact, 50% of women and up to 25% of men will break a bone -- or multiple bones -- in their lifetime due to osteoporosis!
Those alarming numbers are a direct result of a sedentary lifestyle, fueled by highly processed foods and a lack of calcium from dark leafy greens, low-fat or no-fat dairy, and fish, like sardines and canned salmon. But there's another contributor: the underuse of antifracture meds. They include bisphosphonates like Fosamax, anabolic (steroid) agents, a RANKL inhibitor called Denosumab, selective estrogen receptor modulators like Evista, and hormone therapy at menopause and after.
That's the conclusion of a study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine that found that only 6% of older adults with bone fractures that result from frailty or balance problems, or who experience spontaneous bone fractures, receive the medication. If that's you, ask your doctor about prescriptions.
You don't want to develop fragile bones -- and not just because it leads to fractures and pain. A study in Radiology found that lower bone mineral density in the spine is associated with faster cognitive decline. So, for nutritional upgrades to protect your bones and brain, check out "What to Eat When" and the "What to Eat When Cookbook," and for bone-strengthening exercises, if your doc says it's OK, there's jumping 20 times morning and night and other routines in "The RealAge Workout."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Comments