[Click! Health] Weakened Bones... Summer Is as Risky as Winter

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The risk of falls is generally known to be something to be cautious about mainly in winter, when streets freeze and become icy after snowfall. However, summer also poses significant risks. When it rains and the ground becomes wet, it can be even more slippery than icy roads, making it easy for even young people to slip. Elderly individuals, whose sense of balance has declined with age, are at even greater risk.

One of the main reasons for frequent fall accidents in summer is footwear. Sandals and slippers tend to be more slippery than regular shoes and do not support the bones well, leading to a higher incidence of fractures after falls.

This risk of fractures is especially greater for osteoporosis patients. As people age, the number of 'osteoclasts'?cells that break down bone?increases relative to bone-forming cells, causing osteoporosis. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of osteoporosis patients increased from 906,631 in 2017 to 1,126,861 in 2021. Among those aged 50 and older, about 40% of women and 10% of men are known to have osteoporosis.

Summer nights with tropical heat waves, which cause sleeplessness due to the heat, tend to worsen osteoporosis symptoms. Lack of deep sleep reduces the hormone calcitonin, making it difficult to suppress osteoclasts that destroy bone.

Photo related to osteoporosis (Source: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency)

Osteoporosis has no clear early symptoms. Preventing fractures caused by osteoporosis is the top priority. First, grip strength should be checked. Strong grip strength requires good muscle strength that holds the bones. Muscle health is closely related to bone health. If you find it difficult to open a jar of fruit jam or turn a doorknob, it is a sign of weak grip strength.

Hearing loss is also a sign that bones are weakening due to aging. When the bones surrounding the cochlea in the ear weaken and break down, they affect sensory nerve cells, increasing the risk of hearing loss. Gradual hearing loss is a natural symptom of aging, but if hearing suddenly deteriorates in your 50s or if sudden deafness occurs, osteoporosis should be suspected.

Periodontal disease is also related. The jawbone weakens along with other bones, causing periodontal disease. If your height has decreased or your fingernails and toenails frequently break within three years, these symptoms may indicate weakened bones. Dr. Kim Tae-hyun, an orthopedic surgeon at Mokdong Himchan Hospital, said, “People who are underweight have a higher probability of developing osteoporosis than those with normal weight, and those with insufficient exercise are also high-risk groups. Certain diseases such as thyroid disorders or diabetes, and the medications taken for them, also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Efforts should be made to prevent fracture risks by ensuring adequate intake of minerals and vitamin D.”

To maintain bone health, calcium and vitamin D supplementation is necessary. It is preferable to obtain calcium through food. Foods such as anchovies, dairy products like milk, and seaweed, as well as protein-rich meals that help bone formation, are recommended. Taking calcium supplements is acceptable if you have osteoporosis, but caution is needed if you have other diseases. The Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research explains that calcium supplementation can help improve bone density but may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Especially, taking high doses of calcium supplements can cause calcium to accumulate in blood vessels, hardening them and obstructing blood flow, which may worsen cardiovascular conditions. Therefore, if you have chronic diseases, it is necessary to consume calcium through food or consult thoroughly with a doctor before taking calcium supplements.

Attention should also be paid to vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus, as well as for bone formation and maintenance. Exposure to sunlight naturally produces vitamin D. However, as people age, their ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases, making supplements potentially more effective. Above all, bones become stronger when subjected to external stimuli. Efforts should be made to engage in weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or lifting dumbbells, to feel gravity.