Join us in celebrating National Osteoporosis Month this May 2016 by taking action to Break Free from Osteoporosis.

The NOF, National Osteoporosis Foundation’s campaign encourages everyone to get to know their risk factors for osteoporosis. Make the lifestyle changes needed to build strong bones for life. MP Insurance Solutions can help determine if your current senior health insurance can take advantage of a No-Cost test offered through Medicare.

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone that makes a person’s bones weak and more likely to break. Every year, more Americans are diagnosed with osteoporosis. Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis. Another 44 million have low bone density, placing them at increased risk. Brittle bones could shatter your life. You may not know that you have this “silent” disease until your bones are so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes your wrist to break or your hip to fracture.

Did you know that one in two women and up to one in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis?

It’s true, but eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help slow or stop the loss of bone mass and help prevent fractures.

NOF recommends five steps to improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis and broken bones:

1. Get the calcium and vitamin D you need every day.
2. Do regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises.
3. Don’t smoke and don’t drink too much alcohol.
4. Take an osteoporosis medication when it’s right for you.
5. Talk to your doctor about your chance of getting osteoporosis. Ask when you should have a bone density test.

MP Insurance Solutions can help determine if your current Senior Health Insurance coverage can take advantage of a No-Cost test.

Medicare covers this test once every 24 months when your doctor orders it. Medicare can help you prevent or detect osteoporosis at an early stage, when treatment works best. Talk to your doctor about getting a bone mass measurement—if you’re at risk.

Learn more about what puts you at risk for osteoporosis and how to prevent and treat it at the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

By Marvin Basada | Senior Health Insurance Specialist | MP Insurance Solutions