May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. Osteoporosis is a health issue that we all need to learn about. Worldwide, the lifetime risk for a woman to have an osteoporotic fracture is 30-40%; in men the risk is about 13%.

Osteoporosis, often called the "silent disease," is a loss of bone mass that occurs throughout the skeleton, predisposing persons to fractures. Bone loss progresses for many years without causing symptoms. End results of bone loss could be fracture, bony pain and loss of mobility. Women also loose bone mass more rapidly around menopause.

Research shows that being more physically active can help decrease discomforts of osteoarthritis. Recent studies show that moderate physical activity helps people with arthritis feel better in several ways.

Adequate calcium intake can help reduce risks. Regular moderate physical activity can also help you:

+feel less pain

+move more easily and do more activities

+feel more energetic and positive

+keep your muscles, bones and joints healthy

The sooner you start, the sooner you'll feel better. Sometimes, the lack of activity can actually make your joints even more stiff and painful.

When you begin physical program and stick with it, you should begin to feel better in 4-6 weeks. If it's been a while since you've done any physical activity, start slowly and gradually. Work your way up to 30 minutes a day, three or more days a week. Start and end your activity with a warm

up and cool down period. Gentle stretching before activity may be more comfortable for you.

Walking, swimming and riding a bike are good activities. These activities will also help strengthen the heart and help control weight if done regularly.

+Walking helps improve energy and heart health.

+Swimming puts less stress on your joints and also strengthens your whole body.

+Bicycling increases your stamina. A stationary bike will give the same fitness benefits as biking outdoors.

More information about osteoporosis can be found at The Center for Disease Control, Arthritis Foundation and The Department of Health and Human Services web sites.

Flu Facts

A pandemic is when a disease, like influenza, affects the world. An epidemic affects only a community, state, or nation. For a pandemic to happen, three conditions must be present: 1) a NEW influenza A virus appears or "emerges" in the human population AND 2) the virus causes serious illness in people AND 3) the virus spreads easily from person to person worldwide.

THERE IS CURRENTLY NO PANDEMIC INFLUENZA IN THE WORLD. (CDC)

Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds worldwide.

Seasonal influenza (often called "the flu") is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Seasonal flu occurs every year and can cause mild to severe illness in people. The best protection against seasonal flu is vaccination.