THE FUTURE LOOKS GOOD
With an active lifestyle and great posture, Yvonne Rae thought she was an unlikely contender for an osteoporosis diagnosis.
“I don’t let it get in the way of living my life. I’m just more careful around the garden and house”
My mother lived to 96 and was a very healthy woman so in a way, I expected that I would follow in her footsteps. “Unfortunately, last year I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 83, which came as a complete surprise. I’ve maintained high calcium levels, I’m healthy and active, spend a lot of time in the garden, have never broken a bone and have a very straight back!
“After the diagnosis I went on vitamin D supplements and have medications to help slow it down and prevent me hurtling down the proverbial ladder. There’s no way to make it go away; it’s all about how we manage it.1
“Despite all this, I’m really optimistic about my health and future. I keep active and am involved in community groups. While my GP has told me osteoporosis could be life-threatening,2 I don’t let it get in the way of living my life. I’m just more careful around the garden and house.
“Now that I know what I know, I’m going to encourage my daughter to get a bone density test and her vitamin D levels checked. Because osteoporosis is such a silent disease I think it’s always better to know what’s ahead of you.”1
Yvonne’s story is similar to that of so many Australian women – it isn’t until a minor bump or accident causes a broken bone that osteoporosis becomes an issue. Too often the symptoms are silent, meaning weak and fragile bones are more likely to break and by then, the damage is done.1 Osteoporosis can aect women as young as 50 and once bones are broken, can lead to permanent loss of mobility.1,3 An early diagnosis can help ensure it’s a condition that can be better managed through medical care and lifestyle adaptations.1