Bone health is one of my pet subjects. I have a personal need to know how to maintain and build bone density and I try to help other women and men, become more aware that the standard western lifestyle is creating a nation of seniors with crumbling bones, but we can change this with knowledge and action.

When I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, in January 2009, I spent that year studying all I could about bone health and putting what I learned into action.  I do not take drugs for this condition, I am very concerned about the danger of the current drug treatment but that does not mean I do nothing.  I do a great deal, both nutritionally and in physical activity working closely with a bone health certified practicing dietician and the exercises recommended by the Osteoporosis Association of Australia.

Vitamin D
I have an interest in this also, because in May 2009, I had my Vit D levels checked and I found that despite a lifestyle outdoors with adequate sunshine, I was Vitamin D deficient. I have needed to take Vitamin D3 supplements and have my Vitamin D regularly monitored by blood tests. It seems that many overweight women in particular and also seniors may not be absorbing Vitamin D through their skin or metabolizing it properly.  This was no doubt a large contributing factor to my having developed osteoporosis.  Now I know, I can fix this underlying cause while working on improving all other aspects of my life that will affect my bone health.

Guidelines
New guidelines on sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency have been recently released. Importantly these guidelines were developed from experts in both the skin cancer and osteoporosis fields. These guidelines will help inform Australians about how much sun they need to avoid vitamin D deficiency and at the same time stay healthy without increasing their risk of skin cancer. Read more...