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Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
by: News Canada
Osteoporosis is a disorder which makes bones thinner, more fragile and therefore more
easily broken. Some basic facts are:
- One in eight men over the age of 50 has osteoporosis
- One in four women over 50 also has the disease
- Osteoporosis disease can strike at any age
- Osteoporosis can result in disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, reduction or loss of
mobility, and decreased independence
- If a small tumble or a minor mishap leads to broken bones, beware!
Fractures of the wrist, hip or shoulder caused by low-trauma events
may be a warning sign you have osteoporosis. If in doubt, get a
bone density assessment. Diagnosis is a vital first step towards treatment
Osteoporosis is far more common in men than previously thought. The
good news: early diagnosis and proper treatment can reduce the risk of broken bones.
"About one in eight men over age 50 has osteoporosis," says Dr. Susan Jaglal, Senior
Scientist at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Canada's largest provider of
adult rehabilitation services. "The disease causes fewer fractures in
men than in women, simply because men's bones are thicker. Even so, the
number of osteoporosis-related fractures in men is very significant."
Fractures from low-trauma events are the single biggest warning sign. "If
a man fractures a bone - especially the wrist - because of a simple
fall, he should ask his family doctor for a bone density test," says
Dr. Jaglal. "This will determine whether osteoporosis is present."
First-line treatment is a drug called bisphosphonate, which can reduce
fractures by between 30 and 50 percent. "Exercise is also vital," says
Dr. Jaglal. "Men and women with osteoporosis can strengthen weak bones with
weight-bearing exercises such as brisk walking and strengthening exercises such
as lifting weights.
"However, people with osteoporosis should avoid high-impact exercises, as well
as golf and other sports like tennis which involves sudden twisting or
jolting. An individual's exercise options depend on how low his bone density
is, so it's important to have a thorough assessment."
Proper diet is also vital to keep bone loss in check. Men and women over
age 50 should aim for a daily calcium intake of between 1000 and 1500 mg -
the equivalent of about four glasses of milk. "Getting the right amount of
dietary calcium can be challenging," says Dr. Jaglal. "Your body can only
absorb about 500 mg at a time, so you need to spread your calcium intake
over the day. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you the best ways to
get the calcium you need."
For more information on the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute visit
www.torontorehab.com.
For more information on osteoporosis visit
www.osteoporosis.ca.
See our other related articles:
For the latest news about osteoporosis issues, see the news list at the bottom of this web page.
News Canada
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News about Osteoporosis
These news items are supplied by "Yahoo! News". You can visit them at http://news.yahoo.com/.
- Younger Alcoholic Men At Risk For Osteoporosis (Medical News Today)
Low bone mass, or osteoporosis, is a known consequence of alcoholism, especially in older alcoholics. However, a new study shows that younger male alcoholics are also at increased risk for osteoporosis. People with osteoporosis, no matter what the cause, are at an increased risk for fractures and poor fracture healing.
- Younger Alcoholic Men at Risk for Osteoporosis (Newswise)
A new study shows that younger male alcoholics are at increased risk for osteoporosis. People with osteoporosis, no matter what the cause, are at higher risk for fractures and poor fracture healing.
- It Takes Guts To Build Bone, Scientists Discover (Science Daily)
Bone growth is controlled in the gut through serotonin, the same naturally present chemical used by the brain to influence mood, appetite and sleep, according to a new discovery. Until now, the skeleton was thought to control bone growth and serotonin was known as a neurotransmitter acting in the brain. This insight could transform how osteoporosis is treated by giving doctors a way to increase ...
- Alcoholism Eats At Young Men's Bones (WCVB Boston)
Osteoporosis is a problem for older alcoholics, but reaseachers find the symptoms showing up in young men as well.
- Osteoporosis screening at SACH (The Shamokin News-Item)
COAL TOWNSHIP – Shamokin Area Community Hospital (SACH), in conjunction with SUN Orthopaedic Group, Inc. hosted several osteoporosis screenings during the month of October.
- 'Breakthrough' on osteoporosis (The New Zealand Herald)
United States research showing it may be possible to boost bone formation by controlling the body chemical serotonin may have negative implications for New Zealand dairy sales campaigns built on fighting osteoporosis.
- Susan Lark, MD Speaks Out Against the Newest Osteoporosis Drug, Reclast (PRWeb)
Susan Lark, MD, noted medical researcher and women's health practitioner, has spoken out against the newest prescription osteoporosis medication on the market, Reclast, as well as other oral bisphosphonates such as Boniva, Actonel, and Fosamax. (PRWeb Nov 28, 2008) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Dr-Lark/osteoporosis/prweb1672944.htm
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