Aging Differently-Bone Health -

Disclaimer: Amgen paid for my travel and hotel, buy my views are my own.

What do you think of when you think of osteoporosis? Many people picture a very old woman with stooped shoulders. You might be as surprised as Melinda and I were to learn that people with osteoporosis look just like we do.

Aging Differently — Melinda and I look normal but without a bone density test there is no may to know if we suffer from bone loss.

Osteoporosis is often referred to as the “Silent Disease.” This disease is under-diagnosed and often goes untreated, which can lead to serious and costly health consequences. Very often it is asymptomatic, as it cannot be seen or may not be felt because the loss of bone occurs without any signs or symptoms.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

While we were at the Aging Differently Summit we listened to a panel of experts discuss osteoporosis and bone health.

The panel was composed of several doctors with tons of degrees (and knowledge) and I was amazed at all their helpful information. Here are some of the things they said that I want to share with you.

Estrogen regulates bone strength. Eventually every woman loses bone density.
If you have a family history of osteoporosis you need to tell your doctor.
Bone breaks due to osteoporosis send more women over 55 in the U.S. to the hospital than heart attacks, strokes, or breast cancer.”
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition, and while there is not cure, there are steps patients can take to manage this disease.
The management of the disease can be supported by appropriate exercises and proper nutrition, including calcium and vitamin D, fall prevention strategies and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol intake.

BONE MINERAL DENSITY TEST

How do you find out if you are at risk of osteoporosis? You get a DXA, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. If you are on Medicare then this test is paid for. If you haven’t had a DXA test then talk to your doctor and ask him about your bone health. Be proactive and start the discussion NOW!

Routine testing of bone density is so important and it’s non-invasive! There’s no nasty prep to drink and no pain. Basically, it’s just like an x-ray where they check your bones. This test help doctors understand how bone density changes over time. In a large population-based study of older adults, osteoporosis screening with hip DXA scans and follow up management was shown to be associated with 36 percent fewer incidence of hip fractures over six years compared with usual medical care.

Screening for osteoporosis is important in helping prevent osteoporotic fractures. Don’t wait. Be pro-active. Ask your doctor about DXA today!