Osteoporosis is an increasingly widespread condition defined by the loss of bone density. In a word, bones become fragile and easily breakable. Normally, bones are comprised of a mix of protein, calcium, and collagen. They make bones strong; they are lacking in the bones of someone with osteoporosis. Once this condition sets in, a bone can be broken even if the injury is minor; the most innocuous injury can cause a fracture. The most common fractures include cracking bones, collapsing bones, and compression fractures. Frequently, breaks occur in the spine, the wrists, and the hips.

It is rather difficult to successfully pinpoint osteoporosis symptoms, simply because they often do not occur for decades. In fact, a person may not know he or she has osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. Even certain fractures can go without being detected for a number of years. A person with this condition may thus be unaware of it until he or she suffers a particularly bad break. At that point, the symptoms are proportional to the location of the break.

When a fracture occurs in the spine, it might manifest in symptoms like severe pain radiating from the back to the side of the bond. Chronic pain in the lower back, loss of height, and curvature of the spine can occur over time. This often results in what is known as a dowager’s hump. In order to accurately pinpoint this condition, sometimes a routine X-ray can do the job. Unfortunately, they often do not do so in time to prevent pain, nor can they accurately illuminate bone density. Osteoporosis may not appear on an X-ray until the patient has lost thirty percent – or more – of his or her bone strength.

The goal of any osteoporosis treatment is to be able to prevent fractures by stopping the bone loss and improving bone density and bone strength. Detecting the condition early and receiving treatment from the onset is always recommended, but it is not always possible. There are no complete cures for this condition, but there are a number of helpful treatment options, some of which come in the form of lifestyle changes. Cutting out cigarettes, moderating the intake of alcohol and caffeine, regular exercise, and adopting a balanced diet are extremely beneficial.

In addition to vitamins C and D, patients often begin taking osteoporosis medication. There are plenty which can make bone loss stop and improve bone strength. There are also advances in osteoporosis medication occurring every day. So if your doctor has prescribed treatment for osteoporosis, it’s time to find out about Reclast —the only FDA-approved, once-a-year treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

One annual intravenous (IV) dose, along with daily calcium and vitamin D, helps strengthen your bones and protect them from fracture for an entire year. Reclast is an IV, so it bypasses your digestive system, going to work to help protect you from fracture for 12 full months. Treatment takes at least 15 minutes and is given by a nurse or doctor. With Reclast you won’t have to wait to eat or remain upright for a half-hour or more. Just remember to take daily calcium and vitamin D as recommended by your doctor to maintain blood calcium levels. If your doctor tells you that you need treatment for osteoporosis, ask if Reclast could be right for you.

Of those, about 20 million are employees, or a family member of an employee; of a business that has 50 or fewer employees. For companies that have more than 50 employees, more than 96% of workers have medical insurance. That number is only about 43% for small businesses. What accounts for this phenomenon? You hear over and over again that employee healthcare insurance is one of the biggest expenses that a business owner faces. In addition, small businesses typically must pay larger premiums than businesses with more than 50 employees. State requirements that certain conditions, treatments and providers be covered by the group health insurance policy is another reason that small business medical insurance can be costly.

Small business medical insurance applies to businesses that employ between 2 to 50 people. Any permanent, compensated employee that works at least 25 hours per week is typically eligible to enroll in a small business health plan. Despite the costs, small business health insurance has very real benefits. When you’re able to offer health insurance to job applicants, you are guaranteed to have a more talented pool of candidates to choose from. As we’re reminded of daily in the news, quality medical insurance is a major concern for Americans.

Last but absolutely not least, a healthy employee is a more productive employee. Having healthy employees, like the retention issue mentioned above, saves you money. When an employee is out on a paid sick day, you’re shelling out the cash without getting any of the work. So although you’re paying part of your employees’ premiums, you’re saving money in other areas by offering medical insurance. Need more convincing? Group health insurance has tax advantages for business owners. Typically employer contributions to small business medical insurance plans are 100% tax deductible.

With a group health insurance plan, you are spreading the risk amongst all of the employees. That means lower premiums and better coverage. The arguments in favor of small business medical benefits are persuasive. Finding affordable medical insurance for employees is possible. It all starts with carefully researching the group plans available to your business. Be sure that you are working with a legitimate, reputable medical insurance company, and you’ll reap a number of benefits that will ensure a strong return on your investment. And medical insurance for your employees really is an investment in your business.