[Wellness] Revisiting Osteoporosis

["Karen Patterson" <Patterson@womens-wellness.com>]

On Monday I had a bone density test.  I was diagnosed with osteopennia
(pre-osteoporosis like perimenopause) about 4 years ago and this is my third
test.  I have been taking Actonel for four years.  My last test showed
improvement but I am confused about what that meant. The test itself is
extremely simple and takes about 5-10 minutes.  You do not need to undress,
just open your pants if you have a zipper for the spine test.  You lay down
on a table and the tech moves the table under the machine.  He then puts
your knees over a triangular shaped cushion.  My tech was exceptional in
that he told me exactly what he was going to do each time--like feel for my
hip.  After that test for my spine he removed the cushion and attached a
board with separators to my feet to keep one turned in and not moving for
the test.  He then again felt for my hip took a picture and I was out of
there. I asked him about the scoring of the test and he didn't know so I
thought I would find out and share it with you.  I will have to wait to get
my score.

Some Bone Density Tests (BMD)use sound waves.  Others use small amounts of
radiation to determine the thickness or density of bones.  There are two
types of BMDs.  One the peripheral measures such sites as your finger, wrist
or heel.  Central measure your hip, spine, or total body.  The National
Osteoporosis Foundation offers the following recommendations for those who
should receive a BMD test:
All women aged 65 and older regardless of risk factors
yourger postmenopausal women with 1 or more risk factors  Young women with
chemo induced menopause is very important because menopause was forced in
such a short period of time.  For me 18 weeks.
Postmenopausal women with fractures

The result is called a T-score.  If your T-score is less than -10 speak with
your doctor.
A score of 0 to -1.0  Your bone mass is normal
A score of -1.0    Your bone mass is 10% below normal
A score of -1.5    Your bone mass is 15% below normal
A score of -2.0    Your bone mass is 20 % below normal

You are considered osteoporotic if your bone mass is at least 20 % below
normal.

Take care of your bones:
It important to pay special attention to your diet, calcium, vitamin D
intake and exercise.  These alone may not prevent or reverse the process of
thinning bones, they are important steps to help maintain overall bone
health.

 Vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium.  Post menopausal women need
1500 milligrams of calcium a day.  If you are taking estrogen, you'll need
1000 milligrams.

Calcium tips:
Avoid lots of protein or salt because it can make your body lose calcium
Look for foods with added calcium such as orange juice, cereal, or bread
400 to 800 IU of vitamin D daily or natural vitamin D from the sun  Just 10
to 20 minutes daily

Exercise:  Weight-bearing exercises such as jogging, walking, stair
climbing, dancing (oooo I like that one--come on honey once around the
floor) or those in which your bones and muscles work against gravity
Resistance exercises, such as weight training, help maintain bones by
strengthening the muscles around them.

There are medications available that your doctor may prescribe if needed.  I
have also heard of alternative methods but I would research them carefully.
My hospital offers a Life Fit program which includes special counseling on
osteoporotic exercises.

If you have been diagnosed with thinning bones keep these things in mind:
Smoking, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine can contribute to bone loss
Some medications can contribute to bone loss, such as hydrocortisone and
prednisone and Tamoxifen
schedule follow up BMD tests
Commit to action
To determine your risk factors visit these resources:
RESOURCES:
 National Osteoporosis Foundation www.nof.org 202-223-2226

National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases
www.osteo.org  800-624-BONE

Food and Drug Administration  www.fda.gov  888-INFO-FDA

Health Library, Directory, and Resource Listings  www.healthfinder.gov
877-696-6775

Information about bone health  www.bonedensitytest.com  800-974-5286

Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education  www.fore.org
888-266-3015

Please excuse spelling errors.  My fingers are very dyslexic this morning.

Take care my friends and be well.  I will let you know my T-score when I get
it.
Karen Patterson, Founder of Womens-Wellness.com and a breast cancer survivor
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