Bone Health

Disorders of bone that affect bone density or bone quality can increase the risk of fractures that result from low impact or minimal trauma, such as a fall from standing height or less. These fractures, known as fragility fractures, often affect the wrist, the hip and the spine.

Low bone density is classified as osteopenia or osteoporosis, based on its severity, with osteoporosis being more severe. Persons with either of these conditions are more likely to have fragility fractures. Women are more likely to be affected since their bone density is lower to begin with, they lose bone density more rapidly after menopause, and tend to have a longer life expectancy.

The number of people with osteopenia and osteoporosis is about twice that of diabetes. It is estimated that about 1.5 million fractures in the United States each year are due to low bone density.

Fractures involving the spinal bones, or vertebrae, are most common. Consequences of these fractures include back pain, loss of height, and hunched-over posture, all of which can reduce the quality of life.

Next most common are hip fractures, which usually require hospitalization and surgery. Up to half of hip fracture survivors have permanent disability and one in 5 may require nursing home care.

A person’s risk for osteoporosis includes hereditary and lifestyle factors. These include: advancing age, Caucasian or Asian heritage, family history of osteoporosis, low body weight, age at menopause, low intake of calcium and/or vitamin D, tobacco use and lack of exercise. Certain medical conditions and medications can also increase the risk.

The good news is that some of these risk factors can be modified, and that low bone density can be detected before fractures—and symptoms—arise. Consider the following tips to improve or maintain your bone health:
• Be sure your daily intake of calcium is at least 1000 mg daily—use a supplement if you don’t get enough in your diet
• Many adults, especially older adults, don’t have enough vitamin D, so use a calcium tablet with vitamin D or take one multivitamin daily
• Regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, jogging or aerobics, helps to keep your bones strong
• If you smoke, take steps to quit NOW
• Ask your healthcare professional about a DXA scan—the gold standard for measuring bone density. This fast, safe, accurate and painless test can help determine if you are at risk for fracture.

DXA testing is now available for CapitalCare patients in our office at 5 New Karner Road, one mile off Central Avenue (Route 5) in Colonie. For more information about bone health, visit the following websites:

National Osteoporosis Foundation
www.nof.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bonehealth/bonehealth.htm