Osteoporosis -- Prevention Saves Lives

Healthy bone (left); Osteoporotic bone (right)

While medicine continues to sharpen its focus on advancements in technology, there has been little attention given to a common and potentially debilitating disease that causes bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures -- osteoporosis.

Prevalent in older patients, osteoporosis and osteopenia (a condition of low bone mass thought to be a precursor of osteoporosis) are a major public health issue affecting more than 30 million Americans. Although bone loss most commonly affects females, it is also found in a third of senior males. Some causes of bone loss include decreased estrogen in menopause, lack of exercise, excess consumption of alcohol, smoking and prolonged use of some medications.

Osteoporosis causes about 1.5 million fractures each year, exceeding incidences of stroke, heart attack and breast cancer combined. Outcomes for patients with hip fractures are discouraging:

• 24 percent die within a year of the injury
• 50 percent never recover their previous level of function
• 25 percent require long-term nursing care

Harvey Montijo, MD Board-Certified Orthopedics and Anti-Aging Dr. Montijo is the Medical Director and Senior Partner of the Center for Bone and Joint Surgery of the Palm Beaches and the Optimal Wellness and Longevity Institute. His office location is 440 N. State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, please call 561-803-8407.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Orthopedists have seen an increased number of patients with osteoporosis. Preserving the integrity of the bone can improve effectiveness of surgical repair should a fracture occur. Screening by your physician for risk factors for the disease is key. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, osteopenia, or are at risk for the disease, there are steps you can take to help strengthen your bones, slow bone loss and lower your risk for fractures.

DIETARY MEASURES
Calcium can help slow the loss of bone mass. Adults older than age 50 should consume 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily, from foods like low-fat yogurt, cheese and milk. If you're not getting enough calcium from food, your doctor may recommend a supplement.

Another key nutrient is vitamin D, which is needed for calcium absorption. Being exposed to the sun for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week is enough for most people to meet their vitamin D needs. If this isn't possible, you can consume fatty fish, eggs, liver, and fortified foods, such as milk and orange juice.

REGULAR EXERCISE
Engaging in regular weight-bearing exercise like walking, weight training and balancing exercises can reduce the rate of bone loss. Your doctor can help you plan a safe and effective workout routine.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Should you be diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, your doctor will develop a treatment program. This may include diphosphonate medication such as Boniva, Fosamax or Actonel. For patients who can't tolerate the oral dose, the medication can also be administered by injection or infusion. Another effective treatment is bioidentical hormone therapy, which are hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the body.

At the Optimal Wellness and Longevity Institute, Center for Bone and Joint Surgery of the Palm Beaches, a full spectrum of protocols is available for improving bone health. For more information, please call 561-803-8407. To schedule your Bone Densitometry (DXA Scan) testing, please call the Comprehensive Women's Imaging Center at 561-798-8514.

Please join us for a lecture by Dr. Montijo
"Osteoporosis & Fracture Prevention"
Thursday, June 11, 12:30 PM
Conference Center
Call 798-9880 to reserve your seat.

Wellington Regional Medical Center, 10101 Forest Hill Blvd. Wellington, FL 33414 (561) 798-8500