OMHC Public Service Announcement

Osteoporosis and fractures are major health problems for millions of people. In the United States, half of women and one-fourth of men 50 years or older will suffer an osteoporosis related fracture within their lifetime. Osteoporosis is a condition of thin bones and increases the risk of breaking a bone. Our bones are constantly replenishing themselves, but as we age, we lose more bone than we make. Because of this, bones become thin and fragile. After menopause, women lose bone even more quickly, and medications like prednisone and anti-epileptics, can further increase this loss in both men and women. People with calcium kidney stones are at particular risk for losing calcium from their bones which increases their risk of osteoporosis and fracture.

Osteoporosis is a silent condition like high blood pressure. You usually don't feel osteoporosis unless you fracture a bone, but if this occurs, your risk of another fracture can be 20 times greater. The only outward signs of osteoporosis, other than a known fracture, can be height loss or a curvature of the spine. Surprisingly, 2/3 of back or spine fractures in women are painless, or blamed on other conditions rather than an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.

Osteoporosis Diagnosis

Thin bones are fragile, and more likely to fracture. Over 28 million people, especially women, are at risk for fracture due to fragile bones or osteoporosis. Most people with osteoporosis do not know they have the disease, only 9% of women with osteoporosis are diagnosed and on treatment. One fourth of all hip fractures are in men. Anyone with a past fracture after 40 years old, especially after a hip fracture, needs testing with a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Test which is the best predictor of fracture risk.

Osteoporosis risk factors Include:

n Previous Fracture after age 40

n Caucasian or Asian

n Steroid medication

n Excessive alcohol consumption

n Over 65 years of age

n Family history of osteoporosis hip fractures

n Early menopause in women (before age 45)

n Low calcium intake, malabsorption

n Testosterone deficiency in men

n Eating disorders

n Calcium kidney stones

n Sedentary lifestyle, immobility

n Smoking

n Weight loss

Osteoporosis Prevention

Prevention of osteoporosis is very important. Although there are treatments for osteoporosis, optimal skeletal health and strengthening your bones begins with prevention. A comprehensive osteoporosis prevention program includes:

n Balanced diet rich in calcium & vitamin D

n Weight-bearing exercise

n A healthy lifestyle with no smoking and limited alcohol intake

n Bone density or BMD testing

Call the Odessa Clinic to schedule your appointment for Bone mineral Density Testing today at 982-2614.