“…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”  1 John 3:18

May is National Osteoporosis Education and Prevention Month

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes to little bone, or both.  As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases from sneezing or minor bumps. 

Osteoporosis means “porous bone.”  When viewed under a microscope, healthy bone looks like a honeycomb. When osteoporosis occurs, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much larger than in health bone.  Osteoporotic bones have lost density or mass and often contain abnormal tissue structure.  As bones become less dense, they weaken and are more likely to break. 

About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.  Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.  When osteoporosis affects the bones of the spine, it often leads to a stooped or hunched posture.  

Osteoporosis may limit mobility, which often leads to feelings of isolation or depression.  Additi0onally, twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year from complications of the break or the surgery.  Many patients require long-term nursing home care.  Osteoporosis is costly: responsible for two million broken bones and $19 million in related costs every year.  

Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because one can’t feel bones weakening.  A broken bone if often the first sign of osteoporosis.  Many Americans do not realize that developing osteoporosis is not a normal part of aging.  It is critical to understand that strong dense bones are build early in life.  Peak bone mass or bone health is achieved between the ages of 25-30. 

The best way to test for osteoporosis is a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, known as a DXA.  This is a painless test which can be done in many health care providers offices.  It usually involves a brief scan of the hip area or forearm. 

Prevention focuses on being physically active (weight-bearing activity), having a healthy diet with proteins, dairy, fruits and vegetables high in calcium and vitamin D. Avoiding alcohol.  Supplements of calcium up to 1000 mg -1200 mg per day and Vitamin D 600-800 mg per day are often recommended.  Treatment can include one of several medications to build up the bone structure.  

Enjoy the spring weather, go for a walk.  

 Carolyn D. Pauling PhD 

Parish Nurse