A focus on the Healthy Aging Month with advice from the Clinic’s famed Orthopedic surgeon
When it comes to your health, the saying, ‘prevention is better than cure’ never grows old. It’s a fact that as we grow older, the strength of our bones deteriorates. Since age chips away at bone and joint health, it’s vital that we do what’s necessary to maintain strength, balance and bone health at all stages of our lives. At times when you need medical assistance, the specialists at Saudi German Clinic are happy to help. They are committed to getting their patients back on the road to health.
It’s never too late to begin taking steps to ensure that you age healthily and ensure that you have healthy bones and joints. Preparing our bodies for a healthy future is one thing we can do today.
Here are few essential tips from the specialist orthopedic surgeon at Saudi German Clinic, Dr. Sharmila Tulpule, to keep in mind to stay bone-healthy.
Strength and flexibility exercises
Strength and flexibility exercises are important and benefit your bone health. Inactivity is your enemy as you grow older, especially in light of the fact that our joints can lose almost half their motion. Any injuries can compound the issue. Regular stretching exercises and walks will help keep joints and muscles healthy and flexible.
Walking is a weight‐bearing exercise. Regular low-impact exercises have proven to slow down the process of bone and joint health degradation. The more you walk, the stronger the bones in your hips and legs will become. This is also true for people who have arthritis, which is one of the pains of growing old.
The bottom line is exercise increases strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain, and helps combat fatigue.
Your diet should be bone-healthy
It is generally known that lean protein and high fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are the best for health. This is especially true for older people. For example, as you grow older, your digestive system slows down. Here, fiber is your best friend, helping in the digestive process. Likewise, calcium and vitamin D are essential for healthy bones. Vitamin D helps in effectively absorbing calcium from the foods we eat. Fish is one of the primary foods with a substantial natural level of vitamin D.
Consider these bone-healthy staples to add to your grocery list: leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and broccoli; omega-3s such as salmon and sardines; fruits and nuts like figs, almonds and walnuts; pulses such as red kidney beans and black beans. For those who are less likely to get the necessary amounts from the food you consume, consider supplements after consulting your doctor.
Avoid unhealthy habits
Smoking and regular drinking of alcohol contribute to weak bones. It’s advisable to stay away from these to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. You can avoid a lot of pain in the future by making the right choices today.
Enlist your doctor’s help
If you're concerned about your bone health and observe any symptoms of osteoporosis, consult your doctor at the earliest. A bone density test can help your doctor gauge bone density and determine your rate of bone loss. Often, the right medication or treatment will help you take control of your health and age better.
The Saudi German Clinic offers a full spectrum of services to patients of all ages and provides comprehensive and continuing health care for the whole family. For more information, visit www.saudigermanclinics.com and to book your appointment, contact 04 389 0002.