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Has your doctor EVER mentioned osteoporosis and what you can do to prevent it? If not, that’s a shame because a recent study showed that women who received basic educational materials about osteoporosis in their doctor’s offices were more motivated to take a calcium supplement and begin taking steps to improve their calcium intake (Psssst! Eating yogurt is one great way to do that.) Watching an educational video caused 25 percent of women who saw it to begin taking a calcium supplement. Recent studies show that women don’t get enough calcium, the all-important mineral for building and maintaining strong bones as we age. Women ages 40 to 59 consume, on average, only 744 mg daily, though 1000 mg is recommend. Women ages 60 and older are only getting 660 mg, which is about half of what is recommended, 1200 mg. Read more about the importance of calcium and calcium absorption in our own Health & Nutrition Guide.
Write and tell us if you’ve ever had a conversation with a health care provider about osteoporosis. Use the comment box below.
Only 5 more days until the Strong Women Saturday event Stonyfield is staging at Tufts University in Boston. There's still time to register, and you can do it on-line.
Posted by Blogger Chris at September 13, 2004 10:00 AM
I am a women's health nurse practitioner and have developed a workshop, similar to Lamaze classes---except these are for "Midlife" women and is entitled, "Midlife Momentum." One of the major focus points is osteoporosis prevention, screening and treatment.
I also serve as the Vice Chair for the Georgia Osteoporosis Initiative, where we have screened over 30,000 individuals for osteoporosis in the last two years. I serve as a speaker/consultant for organizations or states wishing to develop strategic plans and events to help women understand this important but PREVENTABLE DISEASE. In 2004, the Surgeon General declared now as the Decade of the Bone and Joint." His major emphasis is on osteoporosis. I encourage women's groups and individuals to take action individually and collectively.
Yes, my physician discussed osteoporosis with me during my annual phsyical as my mother had osteoporosis and I am of small stature and being asian as well. She has me taking Actonel and a daily calcium supplement(1,200 mg.) per day. Weight bearing exercise is also part of the routine.Diet is also very important for me.
Posted by: c.m. cosgrove at September 19, 2004 07:42 AMI'm a Nurse Practitioner and I make a point of talking to all my patients about osteoporosis - and not just the women. Men get it too. I stress the effects of soda and caffiene on bones with the younger patients, and suggest dietary modifications as well as weight -bearing exercise for prevention in this group. For patients whose DEXA scans show the presence of osteoarthritis i mention the same things but with an eye to treatment rather than primary prevention. The cost of treating broken hips is phenomenal. And the complications resulting in death or disability from fractures in elderly men and women is far too high. The old addage applies here: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Posted by: Samantha at September 17, 2004 10:55 AMYes, as a matter of fact, my doctor has talked to me about it. I'm a vegetarian, so at each annual checkup, I have my blood tested for mineral levels, etc. in order to obviate anemia, which is a problem some vegetarians can acquire. Two years ago, she noticed my calcium was low, and recommended calcium supplements. My blood tests have come back normal ever since! She's a good one.
Posted by: Anna at September 14, 2004 03:40 PMYes, as a matter of fact, my doctor has talked to me about it. I'm a vegetarian, so at each annual checkup, I have my blood tested for mineral levels, etc. in order to obviate anemia, which is a problem some vegetarians can acquire. Two years ago, she noticed my calcium was low, and recommended calcium supplements. My blood tests have come back normal ever since! She's a good one.
Posted by: Anna at September 13, 2004 04:10 PMMy chiropractor has told me more about osteoporosis than any other MD or nurse practitioner ever did. I've given up soda pops (I only drank diet) altogether, although, I am not in a high risk group. Speak to your chiropractor.
Posted by: Juanita at September 13, 2004 10:18 AMYes, she has made it a point for me to be checked for osteoporosis (better than average results) and she has me take a calcium supplement daily. She is exceptionally thorough.
Posted by: at September 13, 2004 10:14 AMYes, she has made it a point for me to be checked for osteoporosis (better than average results) and she has me take a calcium supplement daily. She is exceptionally thorough.
Posted by: Adrian at September 13, 2004 10:13 AM
