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Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention

May has been designated National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and may break. Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because there are no symptoms until a bone is broken. Many people do not even know they may be at risk.

 

Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races. 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Breaks or fractures typically occur in the bones of the spine, hip and wrist. Osteoporosis can be treated, but at this time, there is no cure. Hip fractures almost always require hospitalization and major surgery. As a result, this can affect a person’s ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Spinal Fractures can cause loss of height, severe back pain and deformity. Both spine and hip fractures can cause social isolation, loss of self-esteem, anxiety and depression.

 

The Surgeon General recommends several things we can do to improve and maintain healthy bones:

• Getting the recommended amounts of calcium and Vitamin D daily
• Eat foods rich in calcium such as dairy, broccoli and some leafy green vegetables
• Vitamin D is produced in the skin by sun exposure and is found in fortified milk
• Supplements as recommended if you are not getting enough calcium and Vitamin D from diet alone
• Maintain a healthy weight
• 30 minutes of physical activity per day for adults and 60 minutes for children including weight bearing activities such as walking, jogging and dancing
• Minimize the risk of falls with proper lighting, removal of items that may cause tripping and encourage regular exercise and vision tests to improve balance and coordination

 

The World Health Organization recommends central (spine and hip), bone density testing, also referred to as a DEXA scan, for all women over the age of 65 or any man or woman age 50 and over who has suffered a fracture. Additional risk factors include:

• Current low bone mass
• History of a fracture in a parent, grandparent or sibling
• Female
• Thin (less than 127 lbs) and/or small frame
• Advanced age
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Menopause (women can lose up to 20% of their bone mass in the first 5-7 years after menopause)
• Absence of menstrual periods
• Anorexia
• Low calcium intake
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Certain medications such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
• Certain chronic medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia and multiple sclerosis
• Men with low testosterone levels
• Inactive lifestyle
• Current cigarette smoker
• Excessive alcohol use
• Caucasian or Asian, although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at significant risk as well

 

Many organizations now offer peripheral bone density testing. A good example of this is the heel scan. A word of caution however: the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend this type of testing for monitoring or actual diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Peripheral measurements are useful for assessment of fracture risk and as an initial screening tool. In other words, if you are at an increased risk for osteoporosis or osteopenia or if your heel scan shows a risk, ask your physician about a DEXA scan to assess your true risk.

 

Karen Wilkinson, RTR, RDMS, is a registered diagnostic medical sonographer and registered radiology technician, with Bayside Health Association in Lewes. For more information regarding DEXA, call 302-645-4700.