Treating Osteoporosis
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: May 15, 2010
Doctors see it every day, patients with thinning bones.
It's called osteoporosis.
It's caused by loss of sex hormones, inadequate calcium in the diet and a sedentary lifestyle.
Unhealthy bones mean we're especially vulnerable to falls. That was the case with India Brown, who took a tumble down her stairs.
"I cracked the sternum and cracked three ribs," India said.
Bone density exams allow us to easily diagnosis osteoporosis so we can treat the problem before an accident.
In fact, every woman should get their bone density checked when they reach the menopause, and then get regular exams every 2 to 3 years after that.
There are multiple ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis.
Make sure you get adequate calcium and vitamin D, and get it as early as possible.
Include impact exercises in your daily routine, like aerobics and weight lifting.
"Sometimes medicine is required. The most effective kind is a Bisphosphonate. You've probably seen brands advertised that tout their convenience, pills taken monthly, even shots taken annually. Unfortunately they are relatively expensive. The good news is that Alendronate the generic name for Fosamax is very effective and is now generic. You just have to take it weekly. You can get a three month supply for around $10."
Treatment worked wonders for India.
"After I had the bone density test again, the bones are almost back together again."
Remember, it's never too early to start building good bones and never too late to make them stronger.
It's called osteoporosis.
It's caused by loss of sex hormones, inadequate calcium in the diet and a sedentary lifestyle.
Unhealthy bones mean we're especially vulnerable to falls. That was the case with India Brown, who took a tumble down her stairs.
"I cracked the sternum and cracked three ribs," India said.
Bone density exams allow us to easily diagnosis osteoporosis so we can treat the problem before an accident.
In fact, every woman should get their bone density checked when they reach the menopause, and then get regular exams every 2 to 3 years after that.
There are multiple ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis.
Make sure you get adequate calcium and vitamin D, and get it as early as possible.
Include impact exercises in your daily routine, like aerobics and weight lifting.
"Sometimes medicine is required. The most effective kind is a Bisphosphonate. You've probably seen brands advertised that tout their convenience, pills taken monthly, even shots taken annually. Unfortunately they are relatively expensive. The good news is that Alendronate the generic name for Fosamax is very effective and is now generic. You just have to take it weekly. You can get a three month supply for around $10."
Treatment worked wonders for India.
"After I had the bone density test again, the bones are almost back together again."
Remember, it's never too early to start building good bones and never too late to make them stronger.
