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-Four Common Myths About Osteoporosis, by John Benson, MD
1.
Osteoporosis is Not Serious Enough for For Me to Worry About It.
Osteoporosis is very serious because it progressively weakens
your bones so that a sudden movement, slight bump or fall, could cause
a painful, debilitating fracture. Chronic pain and disability can
permanently change the way you live, work and enjoy your free time. Hip
fractures result in nearly as many deaths in the United States as auto
fatalities. Osteoporosis can be prevented and treated; learn what you
can do now.
2.
I'm a Healthy Person. I Do the Right Things.
I'm Not At Risk For Osteoporosis. We can't feel how strong our
bones are. That's why osteoporosis is called a "silent thief." You
could be losing bone, even if you think you are exercising and eating a
calcium-rich diet. Osteoporosis is very common with 50% of women and
20% of men (yes, men get osteoporosis) having a lifetime risk of
developing fractures and losing their vitality and independence. Please
see the list of risk factors below to see if you are at risk for
osteoporosis. Remember, osteoporosis cannot be diagnosed from risk
factors alone. A bone density test must be done to determine the status
of your bones. Ask your doctor what you can do to stop excessive bone
loss.
3.
I'm Too Young Too Worry About Osteoporosis.
It's never too early to prevent osteoporosis. Building strong
bones and keeping them strong gives you a head start. Bone is a living,
growing tissue that constantly rebuilds. Bone strength increases during
youth until "peak bone mass" is reached in our 20's or early 30's. You
gradually lose bone tissue because more bone is removed than generated.
When bone loss is excessive, such as when women lose the protective
effects of estrogen following menopause, osteoporosis may develop.
Therefore, women are at greater risk for osteoporosis and its
associated fractures. Many of the things you can do to build strong
bones and prevent bone loss also can contribute to your overall health.
Remember that osteoporosis doesn't just happen when you get "old," it
gets started years, even decades earlier.
4.
It's Too Late For Me To Do Anything About About Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is the excessive loss of bone tissue. Bones break
when they become thin and weak. It's never too late to take steps to
slow or stop the process. Detect osteoporosis NOW, before so much bone
is lost that debilitating fractures occur. If you are diagnosed with
osteoporosis, your doctor can prescribe a diet, exercise program and
perhaps medication tailored to your needs. There are several
medications such as estrogen, alendronate, raloxifene and calcitonin
that are currently available to prevent further bone loss and in some
cases may decrease fracture risk. They can help you preserve an active
lifestyle, and avoid the consequences of osteoporosis.
One of the first things you can do it to have your bones tested
for osteoporosis. Ask your doctor to order a bone density test to
determine the status of your bones. there are two types of bone density
testing available in our area: X-ray based and specialized ultrasound.
The x-ray method (QCT Bone Densitometry) is available in the Medical
Imaging
Risk
Factors For Osteoporosis:
- Small,
thin frame or Caucasian or Asian ethnicity.
- Family
history of osteoporosis, hip fracture or becoming stooped in old age.
- Postmenopausal
- Early
or surgical induced menopause
- Medication
such as thyroid hormone, cortisone type drugs for arthritis,
asthma or cancer
- Diet
low in dairy products and other sources or calcium.
- Physical
inactivity
- Smoking
cigarettes
- Drinking
alcohol more than 2-3 times per week.
- Excessive
caffeine intake
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