Osteoporosis

	Statistics
	Complications
	Bone Density Testing
	Risk Factors
	Prevention/Treatment
	Links to Other Web Sites

STATISTICS

	Osteoporosis affects over 25 million Americans.  Four out of five people who have osteoporosis are women.
	It is estimated that at age 50, a woman has nearly a 40% chance of developing an osteoporotic fracture during her remaining lifetime.
	Up to 20% or more patients who suffer hip fractures die within one year of the fracture when compared to those of similar age and the same sex who haven't suffered a hip fracture.
	Bone density testing can mean early, more effective treatment.

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COMPLICATIONS OF OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone loss.  Bones become thin and brittle.  

This can cause:

	loss of height or a hump on your back
	chronic pain
	loss of movement caused by fractures
	higher risk of hip and back fractures--which can have fatal complications!!

There are treatment options available if you have osteoporosis (actual thinning of bone) or osteopenia (decreased bone density), which are both diagnosed by bone density testing.

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WHAT IS BONE DENSITY TESTING?

Bone Densitometry is:

	A way of measuring the strength of your bones by testing how dense they are
	A way to assess your risk of bone fractures
	Needed to make a diagnosis of osteoporosis
	Used to monitor treatment of osteoporosis
	Noninvasive
	Safe
	Painless

  There is no need for special preparation,  medication or injection

Helpful Hints:

	Dress comfortably, but don't wear clothes with metal buttons, buckles or zippers
	Follow any instructions about not taking certain medications or pills before your test
	Talk to your doctor about having a bone density test today!!

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RISK FACTORS

You are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis if you:

	Are menopausal, natural or surgical, especially if it happened before age 45
	Are Caucasian or of Asian ethnicity
	Are thin or have a small build
	Have a family history of osteoporosis
	Smoke
	Use alcohol excessively
	Use caffeine excessively
	Have a low calcium intake
	Have an inactive lifestyle
	Have exercise-induced amenorrhea (loss of normal menstrual cycle due to intense exercise)
	Chronically use certain medications (such as steroids, excessive thyroid hormone and certain anticonvulsants)

Do I need a bone density test?  

If you have any of the above risk factors, discuss having a bone density test with your doctor.  

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PREVENTION/TREATMENT

	Exercise
	Calcium-rich diet with Vitamin D supplementation

Most people do not ingest enough calcium in their normal diet to prevent osteoporosis. 

	Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
	Calcitonin
	Bisphosphonates

For more details, discuss these prevention measures and treatments with your health care provider .

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OTHER WEB SITES

American Heart Association
phone: 1-800-AHA-USA1

National Osteoporosis Foundation
phone: 1-800-223-9994

North American Menopause Society
phone: 1-800-774-5342

For Smoking Cessation Information:
American Lung Association
phone: 1-800-LUNG-USA

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ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?

PLEASE
TALK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER 
OR
 PLEASE  FEEL FREE TO
CONTACT 
ELIZABETH HILSON
DIRECTOR 
CALL 607-431-5185 
E-MAIL bhilson@catskill.net 
OR 
STOP BY AND VISIT AT
THE WOMEN'S WELLNESS CENTER 
SUITE 401 IN THE FOXCARE CENTER 

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Information on this page taken from:
-Bone Density Testing--Measuring your bone health. A RealStyle Scriptography Pamphlet. Channing L. Bete Co., Inc. 1998.
-Ways of optimizing calcium intake. Women's Health Source Book III. American Health Consultants:Atlanta. 381-85. 1998.