Living with osteoporosis

Last update: April 4, 2008 - 6:11 PM

LIVING WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

FASHION TIPS

The National Osteoporosis Foundation and the New York Fashion Institute of Technology have developed fashion and design tips for those with osteoporosis:

• Wear clothing that is loose, straight or just slightly fitted.

• Select jeweled, rounded, slight V or soft cowl necklines.

• Choose clothing with raglan, dropped or dolman sleeves.

• Try dresses with empire waist, dropped waist or A-line.

• Make good use of accessories, such as long scarves or shawls, to highlight the face and draw eyes up away from shoulder area.

• Add shoulder pads to compensate for sloping shoulders.

• Use backpacks to evenly distribute weight and leave hands free for balance.

• Wear flat or low-heeled comfortable slip-on shoes with rubber soles.

PREVENTING OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis causes bones to become fragile and break easily. Women are four times likelier than men to develop the disease, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. But men do get osteoporosis. The foundation recommends the following steps to help prevent osteoporosis:

• Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D.

• Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise.

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

• Talk to your health care provider about bone health.

• When appropriate, have a bone density test and take medication.

ONLINE

For more information, go to the National Osteoporosis Foundation website at www.nof.org.

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