Norman K. Poppen, MD: Bone health and calcium's role in overall health

Norman K. Poppen, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon. He specializes in treating bone defects caused by genetics, poor nutrition, and physical injury. Although he is highly qualified in treating such conditions and can perform even the most complicated procedures to restore broken or damaged bones back to their top form, he believes that prevention is still better than cure.

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Dr. Poppen is a strong advocate of bone health and always stresses the importance of calcium intake in maintaining healthy bones. Calcium is important for transmitting nerve impulses. Actions such as heartbeats and muscle contraction also require calcium. It is also essential for functions such as hormone and enzyme secretion. The body removes calcium from the bones, and when excessive amounts of calcium are extracted, bones become dense.

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Experts such as Norman K. Poppen, MD, recommend getting sufficient amounts of calcium, along with doing weight-bearing exercise to build strong bones, thus reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis. The body does not produce calcium, which is why it is important that the food one eats is rich in calcium. Dark, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and dairy products (cheese, milk, and yogurt), are excellent sources of calcium. Vitamin D supplements should also be taken, because it is necessary for the body to be able to absorb and use calcium.

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Find more tips on bone health on this Norman K. Poppen, MD, Facebook page.

Norman K. Poppen, MD: The importance of calcium and its role in preventing osteoporosis

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Norman K. Poppen, MD, is a leading orthopedic surgeon with years of experience dealing with various orthopedic issues. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the New York Hospital of the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, the Visiting Scholar Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow, and the Presbyterian Hospital. He is also a member of the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and the Orthopedic Research Society.

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Calcium and osteoporosis 
Dr. Poppen highlights the importance of calcium in order to maintain bone health. Calcium is a naturally occurring mineral that is shed from the body in skin, nails, hair, sweat, urine, and feces. When a person suffers from an inadequate calcium supply, Norman K. Poppen, MD, says that the body breaks down bone to obtain the mineral, leading to osteoporosis.

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Osteoporosis refers to the thinning of the bones, more common among women than among men. Decreasing hormone levels, too little calcium in the diet early in life, and lack of exercise are the main causes of osteoporosis. In order to prevent osteoporosis later in life, women are advised to consume adequate amounts of calcium. Calcium-rich food include yogurt, milk and dairy products, almonds, broccoli, tofu, kidney beans, tapioca pudding, and kale, among many others.

Norman K. Poppen, MD, believes that osteoporosis can definitely be prevented with proper diet and exercise. More information about his medical expertise can be found on this Facebook page.