OSTEOPOROSIS CAN BEGIN IN COLLEGE
ByOsteoporosis is most often thought of as an illness for older, menopausal women; and this is certainly when it is most often discovered. It can, however, be an illness that comes to fruition after a life time of dieting and strict attempts at weight control.
There are many more young women who are athletic, as compared to past generations; which is a good thing. As athletic scholarships to colleges have become available to young women, the growth of women’s sports and numbers of female athletes have grown exponentially in the past 20 or so years. While this has led to more opportunities for young women, there is a potential medical problem developing called the Female Athlete Triad. This is a condition recognized by the sports medicine community that involves diet restriction, amenorrhea (lack of menses); potentially resulting in osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Currently, there is a push to do a better job by athletic departments, of screening and educating women athletes regarding diet and nutrition.
This lack of bone density is a problem not only because of potential fractures at a young age, but also the impact on the future older skeletal system. The bone density acquired by age 30, is often the bone density sustained through the remainder of adulthood until menopause. So if you arrive at menopause with osteoporosis, your chance of a hip or back fracture is much higher as your bones are surely to become more osteoporotic.
You may wonder why these young women have inadequate bone density at their age, especially since they are athletes. Many people cannot tolerate, or cannot adequately digest milk. Additionally, eating disorders among High School and College age women are very common; and body image can become overly important even for women athletes. Milk is often avoided due to the caloric content, which robs young women of a calcium dense source. The rigors of varsity sports are sometimes not adequately balanced by healthy nutrition, especially if not supported by coaching staff.
We women often don’t become concerned with these issues until we are post menopausal, and realizing a fall may be much more serious than the embarrassment alone.
It is important that we educate and become good role models to our daughters, granddaughters, nieces and others.
Talk to the young women in your life that calcium is important, and necessary for strong bones; and best obtained through dietary sources.
Support young women athletes you know and encourage them to be comfortable with their bodies. Encourage them to work to improve strength and stamina in their sport; and not to focus on being slender.
We all want to look and feel good, but there are too many mixed messages in today’s multimedia world. It can be difficult for young people to sort it all out, and keep a healthy reality in mind.
Dear Anne -
You bring back memories of how I participated in everything.
Was on the swim team, basketball, hockey, softball.
Wonder what happened to that person?
Gotta wake her up.
Corinne,
I’m sure that was back in the day when you had a lot more time!
That person is still in there for all of us, although I have to admit that competitive sports are hard for me to imagine the energy for.
Trying a little something everyday may wake up your inner athlete!
Anne
I’ve never associated osteoporosis with dieting and strict attempts at weight control. Your post is a good reminder that not only eating, but also not eating, if done thoughtlessly, can be harmful to your body. ~Beat
Beat,
More women than men are prone to eating disorders, and restricting calories to achieve a thinness not natural to their genetic makeup.
And you are right, not eating thoughtlessly IS as dangerous as eating thoughtlessly!
Anne
With all the rules and regulations these day what it comes down to is eat balanced home made meals and life is going to be fine and don’t forget to go outside a play.
I had a doctor tell me that I needed to take a pill for osteoporosis 10 years ago. I took it for about 2 months and was really having trouble with my right arm. Dumped the pills and the arm is it’s old self again.
Eating those fruits, veges and drinking milk with those balanced meals is the trick to staying healthy.
Thanks Anne for letting these young people know to take care of there bodies now.
Blessings to you,
Debbie
Debbie,
You are right about cooking your own meals and eating a balanced diet.
The less processing a food has, the better off you will be.
You’ve got it all covered, including getting outside to play!
Anne
Very interesting. I notice a lot of people in the US drink skim milk while I always used to have 1% (or semi-skimmed) in the UK as believed it was better for you, is that true or not?
Joel,
The “experts” have said that skim is best due to low/no fat content and slightly higher calcium content.
We need a little fat though, in order to absorb protein, which milk has a decent amount of.
I prefer 1% myself and I think it is basically as healthy as skim.
Anne
Thanks Anne!
Still doing Tai Chi, and moving my hips, wrists in twists and turns. Also doing QiGong most days to pull in the density. Since I’m not athletic, I love these methods.. oh, and I try to eat better..
Michelle, those are all good strategies!
Anne, are you saying then that lack of menses contributes to osteoporosis? Does a hormone replacement regimen have an impact?
In my case, I stopped cycling at the age of 25. I was on birth control, then hrt until 2 years ago when I developed a blood clot as result of injury. Should I be worried about my bones??
Amy,
Sorry for the delay in reply, life has been too busy! Yes you should have your bone density evaluated as prolonged lack if estrogen starting at a young age puts you at risk for osteoporosis. Maximizing your dietary calcium and weight bearing exercise are important for you to do on a regular basis. Hope this helps. Anne