How to build and Maintain strong bones

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Health and Wellness Programs are available to support eligible members towards a healthier lifestyle. Each Health and Wellness Program is subject to its own eligibility criteria.
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What is Bone health?

Healthy bones should be strong enough to support you and flexible enough to withstand the impact of exercise and daily living. The more you use your bones, and the harder you make them work, the stronger they get. From our mid-thirties, we lose more bone than we grow. As we age, our bones naturally lose density, which makes them weaker, more fragile and more prone to fracture. There’s plenty you can do to prevent this, and CBHS can help.

Statistics

25%

1 in 4 women over the age of 75 have osteoporosis.

85,509

Number of hospitalisations in 2016-17 for minimal trauma fractures in people aged over 50.

25%

Percentage of people in South Australia with Vitamin D deficiency.

1 in 2

Less than half of all adult Australians get enough calcium.

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Bone health programs and support

Living with osteoporosis

CBHS offers a range of Better Living programs that cover a wide variety of health concerns and challenges, including low bone density, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. The program can provide you with expert guidance and support to self-manage your health challenges, with no out-of-pockets for members on Hospital or Package covers.

Check if you have osteoporosis

You can check the health of your bones with a simple bone density scan. The test normally takes less than 15 minutes and can be done while you’re fully clothed.

CBHS members with Extras or Package cover can claim benefits towards the cost of bone density scans through the Wellness Benefits program. Medicare rebates also apply for many people.

The results will show if you have osteoporosis, or if you have low bone density (osteopenia) which means you are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Check your policy for details or view CBHS Package and Extras cover.

Exercise and osteoporosis

You generally need to exercise more, not less, if you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis. This will promote better bone and muscle strength and help with your balance and posture. It’s natural to be nervous, especially if you’ve suffered a fracture in the past, but the benefits far outweigh the risks.

CBHS members with Extras or Package cover can claim benefits towards gym membership as part of a Health Management Program.

Read more about our Health Management programs.

Learn more

Sources

_{https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/4364.0.55.001~2017-18~Main%20Features~Arthritis%20and%20osteoporosis~30}
_{https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/osteoporosis}
_{https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/bone-health}
_{https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/bone-health-life-health-information-basics-you-and-your-family}
_{https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/healthy-bones}
_{https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/osteoporosis/contents/what-is-osteoporosis}
_{https://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics}
_{https://nutritionaustralia.org/fact-sheets/nutrition-and-older-adults/}
_{https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/}
_{https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/osteoporosis}
_{https://www.cbhs.com.au/Health-Well-Being-Blog/blog-article/2020/03/20/the-best-ways-to-prevent-osteoporosis}

All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified health care professional.

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