TERRE HAUTE — “With my mom having had a hip fracture that was due to osteoporosis, I need to figure out when to worry about my own bones. I’m over 40 and have drunk milk, so I’m not too concerned yet, but is there a way to make sure it doesn’t happen to me or my daughter?”
Being aware of your risks for developing osteoporosis, or low bone mineral density that can lead to broken bones, is the first step in prevention. If someone in your family has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, then you have increased risk as well, if you do not work on making sure your bones stay strong.
More than 44 million Americans currently have osteoporosis, a number similar to the population that have high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
And just like those diseases which can be silently developing, the presence of osteoporosis is often unknown until it is “too late” and a bone breaks. Then you bear the costs of a hospital stay, surgery, and long recovery time with loss of work and deconditioning. Osteoporotic fractures are also associated with other complicating problems such as pneumonia, infections and blood clots.
Who is at risk? The most likely group of people at risk for osteoporosis are women over the age of 65. It can also be found in both women and men who are on chronic steroid therapy, or in women under 65 who are underweight, smoke, go through menopause before they are 45, and in those with a first-degree relative with such a fracture (like your mother).
To detect osteoporosis or bone loss early, it is recommended that you have a bone density exam after the age of 50. This X-ray exam will measure the thickness of your bones at both your hip joint and in your spine. Then you will receive a score based on your bone thickness compared to the average young adult of 25, same gender.
This bone density score is known as your T-score, and you want it to be on the average at 1.0. Anyone with a T-score of less than -2.5 has full blown osteoporosis and should be treated with bone building medication and calcium supplementation.
T-scores between -1.5 and -2.5 are known as osteopenia (thinning bones) and should be treated if other risks fractures are present like those mentioned for people who develop osteoporosis earlier than the average.
Another good place to start when evaluating your risk for osteoporosis is to check blood work for levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. There are several other blood tests that are done for people who develop osteopenia or osteoporosis before the age of 65 in which ruling out a secondary cause like celiac disease or problems with cortisol, prolactin or parathyroid hormone becomes important.
Treatment of osteoporosis begins with supplemental calcium and vitamin D. Early studies that seemed to show that supplementation did not make a difference were flawed in that they were done on young people who were already taking in their RDA of calcium and Vitamin D. When supplemental calcium and vitamin D are given to older adults or those with less in their diets, there is a significant and positive difference in bone density.
Adding on a bone builder, really called an anti-resorptive agent, is the next step in therapy. Risedronate (Actonel) and alendronate (Fosamax) protect against fractures at the spine, hip and elsewhere. Ibandronic acid (Boniva), raloxifene (Evista) and estrogen also protect the spine, but show only a small effect on the hip and other areas.
It is not “normal” to start hunching over as we age, and you can avoid the loss of bone density to which you are prone by making sure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet or with supplements.
The RDA for calcium is 1,000 to 1,300 mg per day, depending on age. The RDA for vitamin D is 400 to 800 IUs (international units). Never go over 1,000 IU of vitamin D or 1,500 mg calcium a day, this is a case when more is not always better.
Dietary calcium can be found in milk, yogurt, cheese, salmon, kal e and greens. Each serving provides about 300 mg of calcium,1/4 of your daily need.
A supplement like Citracal 600 Plus or the generic at Rite Aid contains 600 mg of calcium and 200 international units of vitamin D and costs between 8-11 cents per tablet. Two of these a day should get you well on the way to prevention of osteoporosis. Then, when it is time, check your bone mineral density and go from there.
Health & Fitness
Ask the Doctor: First step to bone health is awareness
- Health & Fitness
-
-
World MS Day celebrated on May 30
Multiple Sclerosis affects the lives of over 2 million people around the world (an estimated 10,000 to 14,000 MS sufferers live in Indiana). World MS Day was launched in 2009 and is spearheaded by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation. Last year, events took place in more than 73 countries to raise awareness of this auto-immune disease which can cause symptoms ranging from mild numbness to pain or paralysis.
-
Study: Stigma exists with free health care
A new study by Indiana University sociologists found that a stigma exists against individuals seeking free health care services. Patients of a free health care clinic reported in a survey that many people would be embarrassed about admitting they sought services from such a clinic.
-
NEWSMAKER: May 23, 2012
The American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy honored Dr. David Williams as the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Society’s 15th Annual Meeting on Saturday in Milwaukee.
-
BRIEFLY: May 23, 2012
• America’s Boating course seminars set
• Therapeutic yoga classes coming up
• DSI golf tourney slated for June 6
• Vigo tire amnesty day set for June 2
• Mayhem at Mill Creek scheduled
- SUPPORT GROUPS: May 23, 2012
-
VIDEO: Suspected TB case at Woodrow Wilson
A suspected case of tuberculosis at Woodrow Wilson Middle School has prompted free testing next week for students and staff at the east side Terre Haute school. Testing is not mandatory and parental permission is required for students.
-
IU dermatologist gives sun protection tips
With the days growing longer and the temperatures rising, Hoosiers are spending more time outdoors.
-
ISU class works with hospital on projects
Several Indiana State University students swallowed their anxiety as they started discussing their group projects — presenting to dozens of managers, supervisors and senior leaders at Union Hospital.
- SUPPORT GROUPS: May 16, 2012
-
Relay for Life event includes Bark for Life
A huge Relay for Life event is being conducted on Saturday at the Parke County Fairgrounds. This fun-filled event includes activities for the entire family, including the dog.
-
Great Strides walk for Cystic Fibrosis is Sunday
On Sunday, the Great Strides walk for CF will take place at Hawthorn Park in Vigo County.
-
Indiana Family Helpline gets new number
Change has come for the Indiana Family Helpline, a free comprehensive information and referral program operated by the Indiana State Department of Health. The phone number has been updated to help make it easier for callers to remember. The new toll-free number is 1-855-HELP-1ST (1-855-435-7178).
-
HEALTH BRIEFLY: May 9, 2012
• Event on ‘Living with Alzheimer’s’
• Long-term care workshop at AAA
• Essence of Red offers free CPR training
• May is ALS Awareness Month
• Rise and Shine Dine With a Doc set
• Organizers prepare for triathlon
• Event for Alzheimer’s Association planned
• Learn to boost your energy at program
• ‘Be The Match’ donor event set
- SUPPORT GROUPS: May 9, 2012
-
May brings action, awareness on asthma
Nearly 25 million Americans suffer from asthma, a disease that affects the lungs by causing episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. Children are especially susceptible as one out of every 10 school-aged children has asthma in the United States. Asthma is one of the most common serious chronic diseases of childhood.
-
Planned Parenthood to offer free Pap tests
Planned Parenthood of Indiana will offer free Pap tests at 19 of its health centers in celebration of National Women’s Health Week, May 13-19. The Terre Haute Planned Parenthood will offer the tests on Tuesday.
-
National Women’s Health Week coming up
Professional Hearing & Audiology Clinic is joining the Better Hearing Institute and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in celebrating National Women’s Health Week, by offering free hearing examinations May 14-18 for women in the community.
-
Hospital sponsors marrow donor registration drive
Each year, 5,000 patients in need of a bone marrow transplant go without one. On May 10, Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center will host a “Be The Match” bone marrow donor registration drive in celebration of National Hospital Week.
-
Union-Clinton to partner with Providence Medical Group
Union Hospital Clinton’s telemedicine program is expanding to include hematology and oncology services.
-
Paint The Town Pink Carnation Sale is May 11
The Wabash Valley Breast Cancer Survivor Organization will paint a huge pink ribbon on the pavement at Sixth Street and Wabash Avenue on Sunday to kick off its 11th annual Paint The Town Pink Carnation Sale on May 11.
-
HEALTH BRIEFLY: May 2, 2012
• Vision loss meeting for veterans set
• Rose offering swim lessons this summer
• Crawford Triathlon prep under way
• Vera Bradley Bingo fundraiser set
- SUPPORT GROUPS: May 2, 2012
-
Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday
The Vigo County Sheriff’s Department, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners, will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
-
Free car seat check-up at Central Christian Church
CHANCES for Indiana Youth is teaming up with Central Christian Church in Terre Haute to help parents and caregivers make sure their child safety seats are properly installed in their vehicles.
-
Ask SHIP: April 25, 2012
Q: My friend says she gets extra help paying for her Medicare prescription costs. I have not been able to afford all of my prescriptions lately and wonder if I qualify too.
-
Marrow donor drive planned
Mark your calendar for May 10 to participate in a “Be The Match” bone marrow donor registration drive at Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center.
-
Caregivers Expo set in Paris
The 10th annual Caregivers Expo for informal caregivers throughout the community will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21 in the Visiting Specialty Clinic lobby at Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center.
-
Dine with a Doc welcomes dentist
The next Senior Education Ministries Inc. Rise and Shine Dine with a Doc community education program is scheduled 8 to 10 a.m. Friday in the Wabash Senior Citizens Center at 300 S. Fifth St. in Terre Haute.
-
PREP ROUNDUP: North, South track teams pick up wins
Logan Hambrock won the 800 meters in a time of 2:05.95 and edged teammate Jackson Bertoli in the 1,600 with a time of 4:36.13 to help Terre Haute South win a three-way boys high school track and field meet at Edgewood. Hambrock also teamed with Bertoli, Devon Fuson and Scotty Noble to help the Braves with the 3,200 relay in a time of 8:36.
-
Workshop to help adults with chronic illness
Area 7 Agency on Aging and Disabled is offering a workshop for adults with chronic health conditions or those living with or caring for people with chronic conditions.
- More Health & Fitness Headlines
-
World MS Day celebrated on May 30
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Astronauts Enter World's 1st Private Supply Ship
Today in History
Shell Readies Arctic Drill Ship
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Passenger Restrained on Flight to Miami Arrested
Police: Gunman Has Hostages in Realty Office
Dragon Arrives at Space Station in Historic 1st
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Beer Here!: An Historic Exhibit
Wild weather for Memorial Day weekend
Inspiration for the class of 2012
Colorado College Student Shot While Trespassing
Will Smith & Josh Brolin on "Men in Black 3"
80-Year-Old Skydiver's Nightmare Jump
JWoww Sizzles in a Black Bikini
Sliders on the Grill
Cruise ship crunch
Backstage With Beyonce
Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad
Pope's Personal Butler Under Arrest
Jenny McCarthy's New Man
Tyler's Classic Coleslaw
Britney Spears Under X Factor Fire
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Victim Hits Milestone
Hurricanes and Heat Waves Across America
Kristen Stewart Is Red Hot
Shark Attacks Australian Fishing Boat
Bradley out for playoffs
Kayaker Survives Trip Over Washington Waterfall
