Bone is living tissue composed mainly of calcium and protein. It provides strength by constantly reforming as calcium is absorbed by the body. The need to build and keep your bones strong continues throughout your lifetime; it is never too late to take care of your bones.
If you do not get enough calcium in your daily diet, be sure and take a supplement. Calcium intake needs vary throughout our lives.
Everyone loses bone with age, but exercise adds to bone mass — and a lack of exercise may actually cause bone loss.
A moderate exercise program of three to four times a week helps prevent osteoporosis. Weight bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, hiking, climbing stairs, dancing, treadmill exercises and weight lifting are the best types of exercise.
The silent disease
Osteoporosis is referred to as “the silent disease” because individuals typically do not realize they have it until there is bone damage — usually in the form of a fracture. Lost bone cannot be replaced, treatment focuses on preventing further bone loss.
Your risk of developing osteoporosis is higher if you:
- Have a petite or thin body build.
- Have a low intake of calcium.
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle.
- Smoke cigarettes.
- Regularly use alcohol and caffeine.
- Have an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia)
- Have chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys or parathyroid gland.
- Have experienced early menopause.
- Have family history of fractures or osteoporosis.
- Are Caucasian or Asian.
Osteoporosis is responsible for 700,000 vertebral (spine) fractures; 250,000 wrist fractures; 250,000 hip fractures; and 300,000 fractures to other bones in the body each year. It is also responsible for a loss of height and stooped posture resulting from the partial collapse of the spine. This causes pain and the classic “hump back” posture.
Fractured hips are the most serious fracture. Twenty percent of individuals who fracture a hip die from complications such as pneumonia and blood clots. Others never return to independent living and must reside in a nursing home.
Bone density exams
The only sure way to determine your bone health is through a bone density exam.
The Osteoporosis Program at St. John’s Hospital includes a team of radiologists, orthopedists, nurses and other staff to help you detect osteoporosis.
The American Medical Association recommends women past menopause (around age 50) have a bone density exam every one to two years.
St. John’s is a regional leader and recognized partner of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. We offer guidance on osteoporosis prevention through exercise, nutrition and other lifestyle changes. And, we use the latest technology and equipment for early detection.
To schedule a bone density exam, call (217) 757-6565 between 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. A physician order is required.
Thanks to financial support through the Friends of St. John’s, the Bone and Joint Program provides periodic community outreach programs, including free ultrasonic heel bone density screenings. To learn more, call (217) 757-6440 or email our Bone and Joint Program Facilitator.
For additional information, visit the Osteoporosis Health Center from WebMD |
