Dear Ali

Dear Ali, lately I have noticed my body feeling very frail and achy. I am a 63 year old white female. I am vegetarian and I am active. I walk 2 miles everyday and read on my porch. Since I have been feeling weak, I have not done much out of my house.. I love tending to my garden but it seems to kill my hips and back if I plant or pull out weeds. I love to cook and bake for my daughters, but my wrists have been killing me and I can barely cut a carrot. I really do not trust doctors, and try to stay away from hospitals. I think I am just getting old and need to cut back. Can you help me? -Hazel

Dear Hazel, maybe it is time to go to the doctor. You are not old enough to be hindered from doing what you enjoy. Your wrists may hurt because they have fractures. It sounds like you may have osteoporosis. Having osteoporosis can make your bones weak and prone to fractures making your body feel as it is older than you are. Bone tissue is constantly replaced and absorbed Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone does not keep up with the removal of old bone. Osteoporosis is more common in elderly women.  You can have your doctor prescribe you medicine, take dietary supplements, or try weight bearing exercises to help build up your bone strength. - Ali