Living Well with Osteoporosis  >> Managing osteoporosis to live a full and active life

You are not alone.

This section of the website is intended for those who have just learned that they have osteoporosis and those who may still have questions about how to manage this disease. It contains the collective wisdom of many individuals who have adjusted to their diagnosis and now live full and active lives.

Diagnosis has a significant impact.

Most individuals feel anxious when first diagnosed with osteoporosis. Their concerns are usually related to fear of breaking bones (or fracturing a second time if a broken bone was part of the initial diagnosis).

This fear reaction often includes negative thoughts. What if I keep losing height? I can't go outside; I might fall. I can't participate in many of my favourite recreational activities! I can't even do many of the routine chores around the house without asking for help.

If you allow yourself to dwell on the negative, such thoughts can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression and helplessness. Fear of loss of independence because of physical limitations contributes to depression. It is important to think about what you can do. Remember that many people with osteoporosis adjust and live full, active lives.

With the help of drug therapy and appropriate lifestyle changes, individuals are able to reduce their risk of fracture and, in some cases, improve bone mass. That is food for positive thought! Some first steps >>