As one gets older, bone health becomes one of the top concerns. It is always advised that working on balance and stability exercises can be helpful for old age to prevent any falls which could lead to fractures. Some bone-specific conditions lead to fractures or collapses, but some other conditions lead to bone health complications. Herein, we look at these conditions to understand how to manage symptoms and treatment options. Osteoporosis This condition causes bone mass to slowly deteriorate and weaken to the point of breakage, especially in the wrist, spine, and hips. Osteoporosis usually onsets with age, and the doctor may do some tests to check the bone density levels, which can help diagnose osteoporosis. Prolia or denosumab injections are treatment options advised for women after menopause and at high risk for fracture due to osteoporosis and for men who are at high risk for fracture. This option helps to increase the bone mass in the body. Hormone therapy is also helpful in maintaining bone density. Osteopetrosis This conditions the Opposite of osteoporosis, wherein the bones become denser. So much so that it gets so heavy that it may break at any moment. The bones become weaker and cannot take the body’s weight.

Bone degeneration is among the leading age-related health issues worldwide. Around 33% of women and 20% of men over 50 are at risk of osteoporosis. It is a disorder where bone density and mass reduction cause the bones to become so brittle that even a simple fall, cough, or sneeze can damage them. While anyone can develop osteoporosis and bone loss, the risk is higher in people with the following health conditions: Hyperthyroidism This condition results from an overactive thyroid gland present at the base of the neck. Health experts suggest that an overactive thyroid increases the number of bone-remodeling cycles. And the more the number of these cycles, the more bone loss. So, it is necessary to keep a tab on the thyroid levels to prevent such complications. Arthritis Various forms of arthritis like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis also increase the risk of bone loss. Arthritis causes weakening and inflammation of joints, which triggers the problem. Also, most forms of arthritis are managed with treatments that provide relief from its symptoms but inhibit the activity of bone-building cells. Hence, it is necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle to avoid arthritis in the first place. Diabetes Research is still underway to understand how type 1 diabetes causes bone loss.

A mental health disorder, schizophrenia, can alter the patient’s ability to behave conventionally, feel, and even think. There is no known cure for the condition, but treatment plans are designed for better management. Apart from following a prescribed treatment plan, patients are often advised to make changes to their lifestyle and eating habits. It is believed that adding or removing certain foods can help manage symptoms and decrease their severity. Gluten-rich foods Gluten is a natural protein found in several foods that are regularly consumed by the population. Increased inflammation in the body is also a leading cause of the aggravation of symptoms associated with schizophrenia. It can also put patients with gluten sensitivity, intolerance, or celiac disease at a high risk of developing conditions like intestinal complications, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Health care experts advise using grains, bread, and other food products that are 100% gluten-free in order to avoid developing complications. Replacements made from potato flour, rice flour, quinoa, or corn are safer for patients. This helps prevent the increased antibody production and action caused in the body due to gluten. Processed foods There is a reason behind the bad reputation of highly processed foods. One of the most important reasons is their lack of nutritional content.

Our bones perform various crucial functions, like facilitating movement, providing the body with a structure, and protecting the internal organs. But unfortunately, many people do not have healthy bones. Around ten million nationwide have osteoporosis, while 44 million have bone-density issues. Low bone density and weak bones increase the risk of fractures and mobility problems. The following are a few ways to prevent bone diseases and build strong and healthy bones. Choose calcium-rich foods Bones are the primary calcium reservoirs, with nearly 99% of the body’s calcium concentrated in them. Thus, calcium is vital for optimal bone health and physical well-being. To acquire calcium, one’s meal plan should consist of foods rich in this nutrient, such as dairy and dairy products (if one is not lactose intolerant), soybeans, leafy green vegetables, figs, and lentils. Have foods rich in vitamin D Studies have shown that the body requires vitamin D to produce a specific hormone essential for optimal calcium absorption. Therefore, besides having foods high in calcium, one should incorporate vitamin D-rich foods into their meals. Salmon, tuna, beef liver, eggs, mushrooms, and vitamin D-fortified orange juice are a few foods that ensure calcium absorption and facilitate stronger bones. Engage in physical activity Exercise has many positive effects on the bones and the muscles.

Mental health is about the brain’s functioning and everything else that impacts it. It is an umbrella term for psychological and social well-being and the ability to regulate and address emotions. Given its deep-rooted effect on daily life, it has garnered more attention, popularity, and support in recent years. Therefore, here are the five daily activities that can positively affect mental health. So let us learn more about each of them in detail: Get quality sleep Quality sleep plays a significant role in governing one’s mental health. Those who do not get enough sleep, or experience disrupted sleep, have reported more frequent mental distress than others. Building healthy sleep habits (such as avoiding caffeine after 3 pm and sleeping and waking at the same hours daily) can help improve sleep quality and mental health. Reduce social media Constantly scrolling through social media may cause one to compare their life to that of others. This can lead to feelings of low self-worth and can cause anxiety or depression. Therefore, one must limit their social media screen time and take up more meaningful activities or hobbies instead. Strengthen relationships Positive relationships with loved ones can also significantly improve one’s mental health. For instance, having a stable and reliable group of friends can reduce feelings of loneliness, increase access to emotional support, and add meaning to one’s life.

Human lives are dependent on the health of a pair of lungs, which deliver oxygen to the cells and remove carbon dioxide from the body. Consequently, lung problems must be addressed promptly to avoid further complications and detect diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals with symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and chronic cough should see a pulmonologist for timely diagnosis and treatment. Here are some key questions to ask a pulmonologist: What is causing my symptoms? Understanding the underlying cause(s) of a problem is essential to figure out an effective treatment course with one’s pulmonologist. Sometimes, treatments may help address the symptoms but may not deal with the root cause, which may cause the disease to relapse. For example, living in a highly polluted region may have caused or contributed to one’s asthma, or an unhealthy lifestyle may have been a significant cause of a COPD diagnosis. Discussing one’s lifestyle, geographical area, genetic factors, etc., with a pulmonologist can help one identify the possible root cause of lung disease. What are my treatment options, possible side effects, and best intervention? Almost every treatment course may have some side effects. Individuals with certain lung conditions or weak immunities may not be able to withstand the side effects of certain treatments and might require a different approach.

Despite external care and efforts to maintain healthy skin, one may experience various skin issues during one’s lifetime. While some may be caused due to a particular physical activity, changes in lifestyle, hormonal changes, or family history, some signs may be the precursor for serious health concerns. So it’s important to get these symptoms checked professionally to get expert advice and treatment. Here are 10 signs that should prompt one to consult a dermatologist. Persistent acne Breakouts may occur as a result of stress, unexpected changes in one’s eating habits, or during adolescence. While breakouts are normal, experiencing persistent aches without any significant changes in one’s lifestyle can be a cause for concern. Blemishes The damaged skin cells around a zit or acne leave pigmented spots and cause blemishes. These spots may fade gradually or with easy home remedies, but it’s better to have a dermatologist examine them if any areas do not lighten with time. Increase in size of dark circles The common causes of dark circles include lack of sleep, dehydration, advancing age, or excessive sun exposure. However, underlying health diseases like eczema or thyroid problems may also cause it. So, if one sees that the dark circles are growing in size elliptically, one should consult a doctor.

Getting a good night’s rest helps the body and mind recover from the physical and mental exhaustion one experiences throughout the day. Adequate rest is not only essential for recovery but also for maintaining vital metabolic and hormonal functions that are required to keep the organs running and prevent health complications. One should also prioritize rest to avoid dealing with the side effects of sleep deprivation that can affect overall health: Memory problems The brain needs adequate rest at night to be energized and function properly during the day. Lack of sleep affects cognitive functions that control memory. Sleep deprivation has a major impact on the connections the brain forms at rest that control short- and long-term memory. Poor analytical thinking Sleep deprivation also affects rational thinking and the ability to process information. One may also have trouble focusing, which can affect decision-making even when it comes to routine tasks. Mood swings Sleep deprivation affects the hormonal balance in the body and, as a result, the mood. Persistent lack of sleep can make one more irritable, short or quick-tempered, and emotionally unstable, increasing the risk of anxiety or depression. Elevated blood pressure and glucose Sleep regulates metabolic activities and processes, so without proper rest, the digestive and circulatory systems will not be able to function at optimal capacity.