@drkerbel
TikTok · One Shot
@drkerbel There’s a silent disease affecting 1 in 5 post menopausal women in America… and hardly anyone talks about it. The scary part is: You can’t feel it. It doesn’t hurt. There are no warning signs. And most people only find out after a fracture. It’s called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes your bones weaker and easier to break. That means even a small fall can lead to a hip fracture…a devastating injury that can change a life fast. After a hip fracture, about 20–30% of people die within a year. That’s higher than many cancers. Half of patients never get back to the movement they had before. Many never live independently again. I’m an orthopedic surgeon. I take care of these fractures all the time. I’ve seen how they can steal mobility, confidence, and quality of life. And I want more women to understand osteoporosis before it becomes dangerous. A lot of women think bone loss is just a normal part of aging. But it doesn’t have to be. If you’re a woman around the age of menopause, do these things now to protect your bones: 1. Ask your doctor for a DEXA scan. It’s simple and shows how strong your bones are. 2. Strength train. Bones get stronger when you load them. Resistance training is critical for bone health. 3. Check your vitamin D and calcium. Low levels raise fall and fracture risk. 4. Make your home safer. Fix loose rugs, clear clutter, add night-lights. Most hip fractures happen inside the home. 5. Review your medications. Some common drugs can weaken bone. Ask your doctor if any of yours do. 6. Train your balance. Even a few minutes a day doing simple things like standing on one leg or heel-to-toe walking can lower fall risk. 7. Get enough protein. Protein keeps muscles strong, and strong muscles protect bones. 8. If your bone density is already low, ask about bone-building medications. These treatments reduce fracture risk and can save lives. Osteoporosis is silent...but potentially preventable and treatable. And you can take control starting today. Save this post so you can come back to it later. And share it with any woman you care about. It could truly change someone’s life. #osteoporosis #osteoporosisprevention #womenshealth
