Osteoporosis: The First 48 hours

Prevent Falls. The single biggest threat to somebody with osteoporosis is a bad fall. Now is the time to get those eyeglasses checked, put away anything you could trip over – including loose cables, pet food dishes, and throw rugs. You may want to consider installing grab bars in the bathroom and organizing closets and cabinets so you can reach all the items you need without a footstool. At all costs, avoid walking on slippery floors or outside in inclement weather. (For more advice on fall prevention, see HealthCentral expert Rose Chon’s article on preventing falls.

After receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis, you may find yourself intimidated by T-scores and other medical jargon spinning through your head. Well-meaning friends and relatives may give you advice and share horror stories about their struggles with osteoporosis and even the medicine to combat it. While some patients “feel fine” and are tempted to skip these steps, or conversely, feel that bone loss is irreversible and “nothing can be done,” both these ideas are mistaken. With a good attitude and an ongoing commitment to your bone health, you may be able to enjoy a quality, fracture-free lifestyle for years to come.