The Woodward News

Local News

October 22, 2009

Screening key to bone health

According to the Chiropractic Neurology Center website, about half the population of women in the United States over age 50 have osteoporosis or its precursor, osteopenia.

Bone health and osteoporosis prevention was the topic during Woodward Regional Hospital’s Healthy Woman event held Tuesday at the NWOSU- Woodward campus.

The discussion on bone health was led by Mary Zoe Baker, M.D., who is a professor with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City.

She said sometimes women will not know they have osteoporosis until a bone breaks. It’s important to know that your bones begin to weaken as you age, especially after menopause.

Osteoporosis also occurs in older men, who are less likely to be screened or treated for the condition.

Baker explained that with proper medications, exercise and the increased intake of calcium and vitamin D people can begin to slow and in some cases reverse the process of bone loss.

“A bone-mineral density test is an important predictor of fracture risk. The test is one tool your doctor will use to determine treatment options,” Baker said.

People with osteoporosis are at higher risk for bone fractures. Fractures of the vertebrae, hip and wrist are the three most common types for people with osteoporosis.

Baker said 20 percent of osteoporosis patients die within one year after a hip fracture. She explained that for others, fractures can be life changing or the “end of their independence.”

Baker said, bisphosphonate drugs such as Fosamax, and parathyroid hormones are two types of treatment that have been proven to slow bone loss.

Estrogen has been proven most effective, although Baker suggested that patients should not use the hormone if they are at high risk for heart disease or breast cancer.

Regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking as opposed to swimming, and getting adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D can help prevent the development of osteoporosis, and should start during childhood, Baker said.

“I hope women will talk to their children and grandchildren about the importance of exercise, calcium and vitamin D. Hopefully, through this we can alter the natural history of the disease,” Baker said.

Woodward Regional Hospital’s free Healthy Woman events are held monthly. They feature information about health, communication, relationship and life balance issues. For more information about Healthy Woman, contact Lori Messenger at (580) 254-8665.

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