INDUSTRY INSIGHT
BONE & JOINT HEALTH
Prevent Fractures Due to Osteoporosis – Get Started Today!
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You may not give your bones much thought, but they’ re quietly working hard to support your body, protect your organs, and store essential minerals like calcium. Bone is a living tissue that constantly rebuilds itself. As we age, that process can slow down and lead to conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis. Bone loss starts around the age of 30, so it is important to take steps early to prevent it. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are known as“ silent diseases” – you won’ t feel them happening and may not know you have them until a dangerous bone fracture occurs.
Osteopenia means your bone density is lower than normal for your age. It is not yet in the range of osteoporosis, but you are at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis takes it a step further. It causes bones to become so fragile that even small bumps or falls can lead to“ fragility fractures”— especially in the hip, spine, or wrist. It’ s more common than you think. One in two women and one in four men will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
Osteopenia and osteoporosis:
• Are silent diseases
• Affect women and men
• Impact people of all ages
• Are diseases of the young and older populations
The good news? You can take action at any age to protect your bones.
Get screened. A bone density test, called a DEXA scan, is painless and can detect problems early— before a fracture occurs. If you’ re over 50 or have risk factors like smoking, low body weight, or family history, talk to your doctor. At the Wellness Center, we are able to provide communitylevel bone scans while you wait for your DEXA appointment or if you do not qualify for a DEXA yet. These scans are a quick way to get a look into your bone health.
Fuel your bones. Your skeleton needs calcium and vitamin D to stay strong. Dairy, leafy greens, fortified cereals, and fish, like salmon, are great sources. Adults over 50 should aim for 1,200 mg of calcium and 800 – 1,000 IU of vitamin D each day.
Move more. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, stair climbing, and strength training help build bone and improve balance— reducing your risk of falls. Aim for 30 minutes most days of the week.
Avoid bone bandits. Smoking, too much alcohol, excess salt, and inactivity all contribute to bone loss. Even high caffeine intake can reduce calcium absorption.
Preventing osteoporosis starts with awareness and action. The Wellness Center for Bone and Joint Health is here to help with:
• FREE ultrasound bone density testing done in your community as well as the office
• Help with diet and exercise so you can be sure you’ re on the best path forward
• Support and coaching as frequently as you need it – through in-person sessions and telemedicine or phone check-ins.
Medical Director Dr. Noelle DiGioia Guthrie and Certified Physician Assistant Tiffany Belculfine are ready to help you live a longer, healthier, and more active life.
Call or email to speak with a provider at 412.641.8594 or Dr. Noelle @ PFCUSA. org or visit boneandjointhealth. org / screening to download our free resources.
PREVENT FRACTURES CAUSED BY OSTEOPOROSIS. Get screened today!
( l) Tiffany Belculfine, PA-C and( r) Dr. Noelle DiGioia Guthrie
FREE SCREENINGS FROM THE WELLNESS CENTER:
• Ultrasound bone density testing
• Grip strength testing to detect muscle loss
• Fall-risk screening
• Nutritional assessments
Early evaluations and screenings are a must! Make an appointment to get evaluated by a team that addresses all of your bone and joint health needs. Simple, non-invasive tests can tell you if you’ re on the path to a long and independent life or headed for worrisome health down the road.
412-641-8594 boneandjointhealth. org / screening
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