Asian American women have a high risk of Osteoporosis, according to this article from the US Health and Human Services Department. Osteoporosis is a disease the weakens and thins the bones, making them easier to break. It usually affects women over 50 but is typically symptomless until bones are broken or height is lost (this happened to my older sister). Several risk factors for Asian women are cited, including having smaller frames and lactose intolerance, which makes it hard to get enough calcium in the diet. I would add the general dislike of many Asian and Asian American women (some Asian American beauty pageants have “no tanning” rules) for getting any sun exposure at all. There are ways, however, to prevent osteoporosis.
Key steps to preventing osteoporosis are the following:
- Getting enough calcium: For those that do not or cannot consume dairy products, leafy green vegetables, orange juice with added calcium can be consumed. Consult with your doctor before taking calcium pills.
- Getting enough Vitamin D: Eating food fortified with Vitamin D or getting 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight two or three times a week can supply the body with enough Vitamin D.
- Getting enough exercise: walking, jogging, dancing, and lifting weights can all strengthen bones.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking has been linked to bone loss.
- Limit alcohol to one drink a day: Heavy drinking is linked to lower bone density and risk of broken bones.
For more information, check out this document on Asian American women and Osteoporosis from the National Institute of Health.
[Photo Credit: James Heilman, MD (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons]
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