Calcium-rich diet will curb osteoporosis

Vijayawada: Only with proper care and medication, one can overcome rheumatic and muscle problems in old age, said noted orthopaedic surgeon Dr M Ratnamohana Rao. Addressing a health education programme at Vasavya Nursing Home here on Saturday, Dr Rao spoke on various problems in old age like joint and muscle problems which are common in senior citizens.

He said people above 65 years of age are prone to diabetes, hypertension besides joint and muscle problems. He said this was due to deficiency of Vitamin D and Calcium and the elderly people develop osteoporosis due to which bones become brittle and are susceptible to break even in minor injuries. Osteoporosis can be detected with x-ray and scan.

One can protect themselves from this by taking Vitamin D and calcium-rich diet which is abundantly available in milk products, millet, vegetables and leafy vegetables. He said that by yoga, meditation, walking and jogging, most health issues can be overcome. "In old age one should not put on more weight and should stay fit and healthy," said Dr Rao.