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A few months ago, before I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, my knowledge about bone health was next to none. I suspect the same is true for many people. Now I am determined to do everything in my power to help others – both women and men – avoid ending up in my situation.
I discovered I had osteoporosis after an accident while training for a half marathon. It was a blessing disguised as very painful. If I hadn’t fractured my shoulder, I would still be happily going about my life, totally oblivious to the fact that my bones were progressively weakening. My suspicion is that thousands of people are in the same state of false security.
The idea that I will be vulnerable to more agonizing broken bones for the rest of my life is downright terrifying. But knowledge gives me power. I’m taking steps to reduce risks through diet and exercise, and while I don’t let it stop me from living my life, I’m taking more care to avoid trips and falls.
The diagnosis has also given me access to treatments that can significantly reduce the likelihood of a fracture.
This is a personal choice, but I am grateful to have been offered Evenity, a new osteoporosis drug. I hope it will be a powerful weapon in my fight.
RUTH SUNDERLAND: A few months ago, before I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, my awareness of bone health was almost non-existent. I suspect the same is true for many people. Now I am determined to do everything in my power to help others.
RUTH SUNDERLAND: I discovered I had osteoporosis after an accident while training for a half marathon. It was a blessing disguised as very painful. If I hadn’t fractured my shoulder, I would still be happily going about my life, totally oblivious to the fact that my bones were progressively weakening.
Corinne Turnbull (pictured) at Everest Base Camp. She was diagnosed with osteoporosis shortly before her 40th birthday.
I started monthly injections in January and have had no side effects so far.
Although I considered myself pretty knowledgeable when it came to health and fitness, I now realize that my bones were a total blind spot. Considering that our bones are literally the structure upon which we create our lives, this is strange.
Our skeletons support our bodies. They allow us to move and protect our internal organs. The bone marrow produces new blood cells to keep us healthy and store minerals such as calcium.
I had thought about cancer, cardiovascular health, and everything else, but keeping my bones strong and healthy wasn’t on my radar.
As for osteoporosis, well, in my opinion it was something that happened to my mother’s generation, not mine. I learned the hard way that I was wrong. Bone strength peaks around age 30 and, in women, can decline rapidly around menopause due to loss of estrogen.
The medical profession and employers are increasingly aware of women’s health in midlife. However, bone health is largely absent from the debate.
The whole way we think about osteoporosis needs to change.
The common perception that it is a disease of old age means that it is viewed through a lens of negativity and low expectations. These sexist and discriminatory stereotypes must be discarded.
If osteoporosis is detected early, with the right support and care people can live a very full life.
I am very inspired by the incredible women on these pages. Despite osteoporosis, in spirit they are not only strong, but unbreakable.