May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month

Did you know that if you have osteoporosis, you could have a fracture or broken bone without knowing it? Some people with osteoporosis grow accustomed to having tenderness and pain in their bones and joints without realizing that the disease is become more serious. That’s why it is important to be screened with a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone density (DEXA) scan, especially if you are at risk.

You might be at risk for osteoporosis if you are a woman, thin or underweight, age 50 or older, inactive, and a smoker. Other risk factors include having a family history of the disease; broken bones; low testosterone/estrogen, and hormone treatment for breast or prostate cancer. Some medications, including steroid medications and anticonvulsants, also increase risk for osteoporosis. In addition, anorexia nervosa, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and gastrointestinal diseases can contribute to the disease.

Although it occurs most often in middle-aged or elderly people, osteoporosis can affect women and men of any age and every ethnic and racial background. Data show that 55% of Americans age 50 years and older have osteoporosis.

Summit Medical Group endocrinologist Robert L. Rosenbaum, MD, FACP, FACE, says, “Eating right and getting enough vitamin D and calcium can help protect your bone health. For example, vitamin D is key for absorbing calcium that’s stored in the skeleton.” Dr. Rosenbaum adds, “Most physicians treating osteoporosis recommend getting at least 1000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D each day. In addition, getting 15 minutes of sunlight without sunscreen several times each week and eating eggs, saltwater fish, liver, fortified milk, and supplements can help you get the vitamin D you need for healthy bones.” Dr. Rosenbaum cautions that it’s also important to limit protein, salt, caffeine, and alcohol for healthy bones.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases recommends that people aged 19 to 50 years have 1000 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day. If you are age 50 years or older, you should have 1200 mg a day.¹ The amount of calcium childrenshould have each day depends on their age. In addition to supplements, excellent dietary sources of calcium include oatmeal, sardines, salmon, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, nonfat milk, low-fat yogurt, soybeans, tofu, baked beans, many ready-to-eat cereals, turnip greens, and broccoli.²

“To keep your bones healthy,” notes Dr. Rosenbaum, “it’s important to have a healthy lifestyle that includes:”

• Regular weight-bearing and strength exercise such as walking, running, dancing, and weight lifting
• Not smoking
• Drinking alcohol moderately (2 or less drinks a day for men and 1 or less drinks a day for women)
• Regular bone density tests
• Taking bone-building medications as prescribe

“Keeping your bones strong and healthy is important for your overall health and well being,” says Summit Medical Group orthopedist Eric C. Mirsky, MD. “Weak bones can easily fracture and break, causing spinal deformities, a loss in height, and stooped or curved posture—conditions that can be painful and limit your mobility.” Dr. Mirsky adds, “Ask your doctor if and when you should be screened for osteoporosis. He or she will determine your risk and recommend a screening schedule that’s right for you.”