Traditionally, Chinese believe that bones are the origin of many illnesses. Therefore, good bone health is key to curing complications without involving medication.

Understanding the importance of bones

From the perspective of modern western medicine, bones make the biggest system of the human body in terms of volume and weight. Therefore, bones are in fact more important than one could imagine. Felix Chan, Specialist in Geriatric Medicine, appeals to the public to keep their bones healthy with the motto “prevention is better than cure” in mind.

Chan reckons there are certain urban myths about “osteoporosis”. For example, ostealgia is often mistaken as osteoporosis, while osteoporosis is often misunderstood as to affect only women. He noted that generally, there is no obvious clinical symptoms for osteoporosis, until pain is caused by bone fracture. The condition can also happen to men, but prevalence is lower than that for women. He emphasized that osteoporosis is not something inevitable with aging. It is not an uncurable condition and is absolutely treatable.

Relatively higher prevalence in women

According to Chan, osteoporosis is one of the most common bone conditions amongst the elders. He commented that bone mass loss does worsen with age. Inherently, women have less bone mass than men. A change in hormonal levels during menopause results in additional bone loss. This is why osteoporosis is more common in women.

He pointed out that if bone fracture occurs after simple daily tasks such as rolling over in bed, a strong sneeze, or lifting objects, then “brittle fracture” is taking place, signaling the risk for osteoporosis.

A silent thief of health

Chan describes osteoporosis as a “silent thief”, because initial bone loss is not noticeable. Yet, when symptoms begin to show, bone fracture could happen. When bone fracture has taken place once, there is also higher risk for it to happen again in the future. Reduced activity as a result of bone fracture, on the other hand, would exacerbate bone loss, forming a vicious circle.

Chan further explained that there are three most common bone fractures, namely wrist bone, lumbar spine and hip bone fractures. Hip bone fracture comes with the most serious consequences because it could cause immediate disability. 20% of people will die within one year following a hip fracture as a result of infection or cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is never too early to prevent bone fracture.

He added that women could use a simple equation for a self-assessment of osteoporosis risks (see table below). Women over the age of 65 or men over the age of 70 should have a bone mass measurement to more accurately assess bone health. Even when one is diagnosed of osteoporosis, current medical interventions could be done to treat the conditions with nutrition supplement, prescription medicine, and surgery.

Build a good reserve before turning 30

Statistically, bone mass of Hong Kong people peaks around the age of 30. As such, he suggests keeping a healthy regimen before 30: make sure there is adequate nutrition, exercise regularly, and maintain good life habits to improve the “bone mass reserve”.

Chan suggests paying special attention to the absorption of calcium and vitamin D, which are richly available in fish (with bones) and seafood, hard tofu, nuts, dark green vegetables, etc. Do not smoke. Alcohol should only be consumed sparingly. Take up resistance training (such as pushups or weights). Take remedial actions for vision. Home re-modelling is also one way to prevent accidental falls for elders, which could in turn reduce the risks of bone fracture.