Actress Sally Field is best known for playing matriarchal roles and has portrayed light-hearted TV roles, including her stint on the American sitcom, “Gidget,” which aired for only one season between 1965 and 1966.
She once divulged that she had a blast filming the series, where she played a teenager, and although it was short-lived, it opened doors to other roles, which turned her into a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.
Before she turned 60 in 2005, Field was sadly diagnosed with osteoporosis, often referred to as a “silent disease” due to the lack of early symptoms until it causes damage. Of the diagnosis, the veteran star said:
“I always knew I fit the risk profile. I was thin, small-boned, Caucasian, and heading toward age 60. But I was amazed at how quickly a woman could go from being at risk to having full-fledged osteoporosis.”
The disease makes the bones weak to a point where they break easily, including bones in the hip, wrist, and backbone (spine).
Women are reportedly prone to get affected by the condition more than men, mainly due to the hormone changes when they reach menopause which affects bone density.
Oestrogen, the female hormone, is needed for healthy bones, but after menopause, the levels decrease, leading to a rapid decline in bone density.
When speaking about her condition, Field explained she had always ensured she consumed healthy food, participated in exercises, and took calcium. But despite her efforts, she failed to avoid the diagnosis.
Possible symptoms of osteoporosis that could be detected early include loss of height over time, back pain, and a stooped posture of a bone that could easily break.
Treatment for osteoporosis includes exercising, taking medication, mineral supplements, and vitamins. One could ensure they take supplements and exercise often to prevent getting the disease.
Despite her natural aging and health issues, Field was criticized for her appearance. In 2018, social media trolls took to Twitter to comment on her looks. “You’re ugly,” said one user.
Another wrote, “Your butt is going down also,” while a third person expressed: “Words cannot describe how sickening you are lady. You are just pure trash.”