Mazu Pilgrimage Brings More Than Sore Legs; Prolonged Standing and 4 Other Groups at High Risk of Osteoporotic Falls
Ahead of the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage, medical experts warn that prolonged walking increases fall risks for osteoporosis-prone individuals, recommending early bone density checks and calcium intake.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 12:48
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 13:00 (12 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 18, 2026 at 20:25 (271h 25m after Collected)
The Baishatun Gongtian Temple Mazu in Tongxiao Township, Miaoli is scheduled to set off for Beigang for a pilgrimage on the evening of the 12th. Hung Yu-chung, Director of the Health Management Center at Lianan Preventive Medicine Institution, reminded via a press release today that when bone density drops and bone structure gradually becomes porous, prolonged walking and standing during the pilgrimage, combined with decreased muscle stability and balance due to fatigue, will increase the risk of falls.
Using a large health check database, Hung Yu-chung analyzed tens of thousands of examinees' data from last year, revealing that over 40% of the public already exhibit signs of bone loss. Furthermore, according to the Health Promotion Administration's survey, 1 in 7 people aged 65 and above suffers from osteoporosis, with the rate higher in women (17.4%) than men (10.4%), and prevalence increasing with age.
Hung Yu-chung stated that bone loss and osteoporosis are common hidden health concerns. They weaken the bone's compression resistance and stability, making early assessment and preventive management crucial. Osteoporosis often has no obvious symptoms in its early stages, yet a single fall or minor collision can result in wrist or hip fractures.
Hip fractures are particularly impactful for middle-aged and elderly groups, severely affecting late-life health and life quality due to long-term rehabilitation and mobility restrictions. Hung emphasized that bone issues aren't exclusive to the elderly; postmenopausal women, middle-aged men, underweight individuals, and sedentary people are all high-risk groups.
In addition, unbalanced diets, insufficient calcium intake, or excessive consumption of coffee and carbonated drinks can increase bone loss risk. Chronic disease patients on long-term steroid treatments may also face accelerated bone loss and should pay extra attention to bone health.
Besides recommending a bone density test between ages 30 and 40, Hung advised starting preventive habits early. Diet-wise, calcium can be obtained from dairy, small dried fish, soy products, and dark green vegetables.
Moderate sun exposure aids Vitamin D synthesis, boosting intestinal calcium absorption, especially when paired with Vitamin K2. Hung stressed that bone generation requires the stimulus of weight-bearing exercises; without exercise, calcium supplements alone won't suffice. When muscle mass is low, the risk of bone loss also rises. Routine weight training and early assessments are essential.
Using a large health check database, Hung Yu-chung analyzed tens of thousands of examinees' data from last year, revealing that over 40% of the public already exhibit signs of bone loss. Furthermore, according to the Health Promotion Administration's survey, 1 in 7 people aged 65 and above suffers from osteoporosis, with the rate higher in women (17.4%) than men (10.4%), and prevalence increasing with age.
Hung Yu-chung stated that bone loss and osteoporosis are common hidden health concerns. They weaken the bone's compression resistance and stability, making early assessment and preventive management crucial. Osteoporosis often has no obvious symptoms in its early stages, yet a single fall or minor collision can result in wrist or hip fractures.
Hip fractures are particularly impactful for middle-aged and elderly groups, severely affecting late-life health and life quality due to long-term rehabilitation and mobility restrictions. Hung emphasized that bone issues aren't exclusive to the elderly; postmenopausal women, middle-aged men, underweight individuals, and sedentary people are all high-risk groups.
In addition, unbalanced diets, insufficient calcium intake, or excessive consumption of coffee and carbonated drinks can increase bone loss risk. Chronic disease patients on long-term steroid treatments may also face accelerated bone loss and should pay extra attention to bone health.
Besides recommending a bone density test between ages 30 and 40, Hung advised starting preventive habits early. Diet-wise, calcium can be obtained from dairy, small dried fish, soy products, and dark green vegetables.
Moderate sun exposure aids Vitamin D synthesis, boosting intestinal calcium absorption, especially when paired with Vitamin K2. Hung stressed that bone generation requires the stimulus of weight-bearing exercises; without exercise, calcium supplements alone won't suffice. When muscle mass is low, the risk of bone loss also rises. Routine weight training and early assessments are essential.