Lifestyle changes
Medication will not restore all lost bone. Therefore, in addition to medication, lifestyle measures are also important (exercise, not smoking, etc, as described above).
Preventing falls
You can take measures to help prevent you from falling. This can reduce your risk of breaking a bone.
- Check your home for hazards such as uneven rugs, trailing wires, slippery floors, etc.
- Regular weight bearing exercise may help to prevent falls (as described above).
- Are your vision and hearing as good as possible? Do they need checking? Do you need glasses or a hearing aid?
- Beware of going out in icy weather.
- Do you take any drugs that can make you drowsy? Can they be changed?
If you have had a fall, or have difficulty walking, you may be advised to have a formal 'falls risk assessment'. This involves various things such as a physical examination, checking your vision, hearing, and ability to walk, reviewing your medication, and reviewing your home circumstances. Following this, where appropriate, some people are offered things such as a muscle strengthening and balance programme, or recommendations on how to reduce potential hazards in the home.
Further information
National Osteoporosis Society Camerton, Bath, BA2 0PJ Helpline: 0845 4500230 Web: www.nos.org.uk
© EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: May 2006 PRODIGY Validated
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Edith Irene Whitehead, about 1 year
I have been on a treatment for Osteoporosis for 35 years and my doctor has just changed my treatment to 1 tablet a week of Alendronic Acid Tablets and 2 a day of chewable Calcichew D3 Tablets, But with all the tablets etc I have had over the years I find I am now lossing my Memory
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anne hewitt, about 1 year
since taking risedronate for osteoporosis i find my stomach has a permanent swelling and can get very sore also in my sides is this normal do you think i worry it is something more as it seems to have affected my bladder and bowels i go to the loo all the time to pass water
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