This past year, in a time span of eight months, my two mother goddesses (mom and stepmom) experienced trauma to their bones from a fall.
My mom had to have a mini hip replacement and my stepmom fractured her humerus bone. I was not able to be in their physical presence very much as we lived in different cities and COVID-19 restricted travel. The physical pain they have endured, I can only imagine. During their rehabilitation, I recognized the courage it took to adjust to their change in mobility and persevere through each physical challenge. I saw from afar the sophisticated relationship with patience that guided them through their physical and emotional healing process. And I was inspired by their constant faith in seeing the better days ahead. They are my teachers in this journey of aging gracefully.
What is osteoporosis?
“Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeletal system that is characterized by deterioration of bone tissue, along with a decrease in bone mass. It can strike anyone at any age, although it is most prevalent in Caucasian and Asian, small boned women over 50” (E. Kamhi, 2010). My mother is small boned and Caucasian, as was my grandmother, and as am I. My mother was diagnosed with osteoporosis approximately 15 years ago at the age of 57. The disease can be hereditary, but my maternal grandmother did not have osteoporosis, though had a mastectomy and Alzheimer’s. As we know, genetics play a role in our health as do our physical life choices. The passing of time reveals our destiny.
Preventing osteoporosis
The best prevention for osteoporosis is exercise: weight bearing exercises 3-4 times a week; eating foods high in calcium and vitamin D; limiting alcohol consumption and smoking. In Ellen Kamhi’s journal article Naturopathic Approaches to Preventing and Treating Osteoporosis she reports, “ the most important time to focus on building healthy bones is during the first 3 decades of life.” As a mother to a nine-year-old girl, I appreciated this new knowledge. I integrate my own osteoporosis prevention practice with thought to my daughter’s healthy bone development. I make sure she has a daily green vegetable intake (Sky loves brussels sprouts), eats foods high in calcium and gets a nice amount of weekly exercise in. My daughter and I both enjoy nature so we have created a weekly ritual of choosing an outdoor destination and going on a hike.
As I encourage myself every day to incorporate osteoporosis prevention, I encourage you!
With all my love and admiration to Carla, Annie and Sky.
Kamhi, Ellen. 2010. ‘Naturopathic Approaches to Preventing and Treating Osteoporosis.’ Natural Medicine Journal. Vol.2 Issue 11.1-14.
Alison White.
Photo by @bs.photo.studio
