Dallas County Living Well Magazine Spring 2014 | Page 43

Osteoprosis
What It Is and How You Can
Avoid Its Devastating
Complications

O

Mika Bradford, CN, CPhT

steoporosis affects 10 million people in the
United States alone, and another 34 million Americans are at risk of osteopenia,
or low bone mass, which can lead to lead
to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a metabolic
bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and
poor bone quality. While this condition was once associated
primarily with women, men are now screened more often
for osteoporosis if they have qualifying risk factors. A drop
in estrogen in women at the time of menopause and a drop
in testosterone in men is a leading cause of bone loss.

additional bone loss or increasing bone mass accumulation
once a diagnosis of osteoporosis has been given. A spine
or hip x-ray may also be required if your physician is concerned there is a fracture or collapse of the spinal bones.
You may also be asked to have additional blood and urine
tests performed if your osteoporosis is thought to be due to
a medical condition, rather than simply the usual bone loss
seen with older age.
A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for
strong bones. Calcium and vitamin D are available in many
food sources as well as in dietary supplements.

Other risk factors for osteoporosis include:

Food sources include:

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Decreased calcium and vitamin D intake
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
The ongoing use of medications like anticonvulsants
and corticosteroids

Insufficient amount of weight-bearing exercises like
walking, running, dancing, yoga or playing tennis (at least
30 minutes on most days).
The frequency in fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist
are increased with this condition. The American Academy
of Orthopedic Surgeons along with the Mayo Clinic recognizes that each year, 1.5 million fractures are attributed to
osteoporosis, including 350,000 hip fractures. Maintaining
healthy bone mass throughout your lifetime is important in
preventing broken bones and secondary injuries associated
with osteoporosis later in life. Osteoporosis can result in lost
work time or the inability to perform daily living activities.
Seventy percent of people suffering from osteoporosis do
not return to previous pre-injury level of activity or health
status. The financial burden incurred and associated with
osteoporosis-related fractures can be costly for the person
who is injured as well as for the family members or caregivers. Broken bones lead to inactivity which creates secondary complications with weight gain, poor circulations and
other health concerns that accompany a sedentary lifestyle.
Testing for Osteoporosis is a simple process done by
bone mineral density assessment (most often with a DEXA
scan) that measures your bone mineral density. This test
will diagnose bone loss and osteoporosis as well as assist
in predicting your risk for future bone fractures. This test
will be performed annually or bi-annually depending on
your physician’s recommendations. The scan is also helpful in determining how effective dietary changes, exercise,
dietary supplements and medications have been in stopping

• Cheese
• Milk
• Kale
• Fish

• Fortified Cereals
Calcium is needed to build new bone and vitamin D helps
your body absorb calcium. Adults under the age of 50 should
have approximately 1,000 mg of calcium and a minimum of
400 - 800 IU of vitamin D daily. Women ages 51 to 70 should
have 1,200 mg of calcium and 400 - 800 IU of vitamin D a day;
men ages 51 to 70 need 1,000 mg of calcium and 400 - 800 IU of
vitamin D a day. Adults over the age of 70 should get 1,200 mg
of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D daily. Depending on your
individual health concerns the amount of calcium your doctor recommends may be less especially if you have a history
of kidney stones and atherosclerosis. Your doctor may also
recommend a higher amount of vitamin D to be taken daily or
as a prescription taken once a week depending on bone mineralization test results and a blood test for vitamin D. Other nutrients that have been shown to be supportive in maintaining
or increasing bone density are silica and strontium. Taking a
combination approach to address osteoporosis and osteopenia
along with lifestyle changes and regular assessments can help
you stay fit and active for many years to come!
Mika Bradford is a cert