SENIOR MOMENT: Fighting brittle bones

By BETTY MUNSEY/Columnist

Osteoporosis is one of those diseases that we can’t shove under the bed and forget about. It particularly loves older women and seems to progress more quickly the first few years after menopause. Senior citizens have a better than 50 percent chance of developing osteoporosis, which causes bones to become brittle and possibly break. Most of us can identify someone whose life was altered due to a broken hip, back or other bone. As a result, they may have been forced to endure hours of rehabilitation either at home or in a rehab facility.
Women of small bone structure and especially those with low calcium intake are at greater risk of developing this dreaded disease. There also appears to be a genetic link to this disease. So if our mother or sister has or had osteoporosis, our chances increase. Men may also fall victim to osteoporosis although it usually occurs at a later age.  The June 2007 issue of “Mature Living” states “women lose calcium from their bodies faster than men; but after age 65, the rate of calcium loss is about the same for both genders. One third of men over the age of 75 have osteoporosis. Older men need 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 600 international units of vitamin D every day.”
Many of us take a weekly or monthly oral bisphosphonate drug (brand names include Actonel, Boniva, Fosamax, and others) to help strengthen our bones and prevent any future decay.  Folks with osteoporosis are encouraged to consume calcium-rich foods such as milk or foods containing milk and broccoli, or calcium-fortified foods such as cereal, bread and orange juice. Since vitamin D is necessary to help the body absorb calcium, a multi-vitamin containing vitamin D may be suggested.
On the other hand, osteoporosis is not an end-all disease without hope.  Thankfully bones are living tissues and heal themselves as those who have experienced fractures can confirm. Community health screenings provide bone density tests as part of their comprehensive services. The test is a quick, painless scan of the ankle area with almost instantaneous results. The DEXA or bone density scan is a more advanced medical procedure that is also painless, relatively quick and normally performed in a hospital setting. The patient merely lies on the table-like platform while the scanner moves above.
Individuals diagnosed with bone density issues are strongly encouraged to walk or get weight-bearing exercises for approximately 30 minutes a day; stop smoking; and limit alcohol consumption to prevent further calcium loss.
I found it interesting while researching for this article that “the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is researching a link between the intake of oral bisphosphonate drugs and increased occurrences of osteonecrosis which occurs in the jaw, often following oral surgery or tooth removal. Osteonecrosis is characterized by swelling of and pain in the jaw, loose teeth, and sliding of the skin away from the jawbone.  Only a limited number of cases have been reported; so the test results are very preliminary.” These Mayo researchers stated that “some physicians recommend discontinuing bisphosphonate treatments prior to dental work.  So check with your doctor or dentist for their recommendation in your particular situation.”
As with all medical concerns, please consult with your medical professional for testing and individual recommendations.
A retired Extension agent, Betty Munsey lives and farms in Bland County.