Osteoporosis: How are your Bones?

Contributed by: Nicole Huffman, Pharm.D. Candidate

Drake College of Pharmacy

$Text Box: What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease of the bones. It is referred to as “silent” because people often do not know that they have osteoporosis until an event such as a fracture or broken bone occurs. Our bones need calcium to stay strong. If the proper amount of calcium and vitamin D is not given to the body, osteoporosis can develop, and the body becomes at risk for broken bones and fractures. The main bones affected by osteoporosis are the spine, hips, and wrists, although osteoporosis can affect all of the bones in the body. Osteoporosis can be prevented and treated. Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis can occur with just a few simple lifestyle alterations or with the help of medications. What are the consequences of osteoporosis? Broken bones and fractures Lower quality of life – Difficulty getting around and deformities Who can get Osteoporosis? It is estimated that nearly 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and about 24 million more are at high risk of developing osteoporosis Osteoporosis can affect both men and women alike, although women are four times more likely to have osteoporosis than men due to menopause. Osteoporosis can occur no matter what ethnicity you are, although some generally seem to have more prevalence. The highest prevalence occurs in Caucasian and Asian women (20%). What are some common Risk Factors for Osteoporosis? History of fracture after age 50 Family history of osteoporosis Being female (due to menopause) Being thin or having a small body frame Advanced age$

Text Box: Lack of calcium intake (over life) Use of certain medications (corticosteroids, chemotherapy, anticonvulsants and others) An inactive lifestyle Current cigarette smoking Excessive use of alcohol Being Caucasian or Asian, although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at significant risk as well How can I tell if I have Osteoporosis? To see if you have or are at risk for osteoporosis, a simple screening to measure your bone mineral density can be performed. The test can give you an idea if you are at risk for osteoporosis or have the disease, and whether lifestyle changes alone or combined with medication is the best option for you. Talk to your pharmacist or physician for more information. How can I prevent and treat osteoporosis? Diet - Eat a balanced diet that contains calcium and vitamin D. Exercise – Low-weight-bearing exercise and resistance-training can help keep your bones strong. Quit smoking – Smoking can cause loss of calcium in the body. Cut back on alcohol – Alcohol also depletes the calcium in the body. Increase dietary calcium – Visit www.nof.org/prevention/calcium to see how much calcium you need daily and a list of foods that contain calcium. Use a calcium supplement – Using a calcium supplement will help supply your body with the calcium you need. Remember, the body can only absorb around 600 mg of calcium at a time, so it is best to take one pill twice daily (at least a couple of hours apart). Medication – Medications are available for both prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Your health

Text Box: care provider can decide what medication is best for you. What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is needed in the body to help absorb calcium. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight. To get enough vitamin D from the sun, you only need to be exposed to sunlight for about 15 minutes three times a week. Vitamin D is also found in several different foods (margarine, eggs, chicken livers, salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, swordfish and fish oils). Many calcium supplements contain vitamin D now as well. Where can I get more information? To learn more about osteoporosis, how much calcium you should be getting daily, what foods contain calcium, and how to prevent and treat osteoporosis, visit the following websites for information: National Osteoporosis Foundation: www.nof.org International Osteoporosis Foundation: www.osteofound.org FDA Website: www.fda.gov/fdac/features/796_bone.html Also, your pharmacist will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about osteoporosis, and will be able to recommend a calcium supplement and plan just for you.