Home Instead Senior Care highlights Osteo-care at Healthy Living Health Fair

A "Healthy Living" Health Fair will be held in Waterford Health Park on Saturday, January 29th emphasising the importance of exercise, fitness and good food for overall health and well being.

The Fair will be open to all members of the public and will feature a range of health and wellness stands, exhibitions and health talks. Information and sample sessions will also be available on acupuncture, pilates, physiotherapy, counselling, sports injuries, health screening and men and women’s health issues.

Home Instead Senior Care will be exhibiting at the Healthy Living Health Fair with information and tips on how to prevent osteoporosis and visitors will also be able to pick up free copies of “Beat the Break” – A Guide to Osteoporosis and Fall Prevention”.

According to Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care, “The Irish Osteoporosis Society estimates that 300,000 people in Ireland have Osteoporosis. One in five men and one in two women over 50 will develop a fracture due to Osteoporosis in their lifetime. The disease can affect even children.”

Ms. Connolly added "A healthy lifestyle and a safe, hazard-free home are vital to healthy ageing and will help Ireland's seniors maintain their independence. There are many older people who are literally trapped in the home because they are too weak to perform many of the activities they need to remain independent, or even enjoy life. It is so important seniors do what they can to 'beat the break' and maintain healthy bones".

The good news is no one is too young or old to improve their bone health and there are a number of steps people can take to prevent Osteoporosis and avoid falls:

Healthy eating - Ensure your diet is rich in calcium and vitamin D as they help improve bone strength. Calcium is best absorbed from dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt and oily fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines are all excellent sources of vitamin D.

Appropriate exercise - Resistance training using weights promotes bone health by increasing muscle strength and bone density.

Avoid alcohol and smoking - Excess consumption of alcohol can increase the risk of fracture and reduce bone formation. Women should limit their alcohol intake to 14 units per week and men to 21 units per week. The toxins in cigarettes also negatively affect bone health and should be avoided.

Remove home hazards - At least one-third of all falls suffered by the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home so it is important to reduce clutter in the home, especially in walk areas such as hallways.

Light up your living space - Ensure your home is brightly lit and place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallway so you can see clearly.

Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor - Poor vision can increase your chance of falling. An eye doctor will ensure you are wearing the correct lenses or check if you have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits vision.

For further information on bone health and general health information please visit the “Healthy Living” Health Fair at Waterford Health Park on Saturday, January 29th from 10am to 3pm or visit www.homeinstead.ie and download a copy of "Beat the Break: A Guide on Osteoporosis and Fall Prevention".