Osteoporosis – The Sexist, Racist, Thief and Bully …

Created by: Dato’ Dr Rajen. MHolista Colltech

Osteoporosis A major public threat for more than

2.8 million Malaysians - 80 % are women.

1 in 2 women and 1 in 8 men over 50 will have an osteoporosis related fracture.

What is it? A disease in which bones become

fragile and more likely to break. Breaks usually occur in the hip,

spine and wrist.

What is it? Hip and spine fractures are a major

concern. Hip fractures almost always require

surgery and hospitalization. Spine fractures have serious

consequences such as loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.

What causes osteoporosis? Scientist have not yet learned all the

reasons this occurs. When you are young your body makes

new bone faster than it breaks down old bones.

As you get older, this process slows down and you start losing bone density.

The risk for osteoporosis depends on how much bone mass you attained between ages 25 and 35 and how fast you lose it.

Risk Factors

Certain people are more likely to develop this disease than others.

Female Thin and/or small frame Advanced age Fair skinned

Risk Factors Anorexia nervosa or bulimia Diet low in calcium Use of certain medications Low testosterone levels in men An inactive lifestyle Cigarette smoking Excessive use of alcohol Being Asian or Caucasian

Are your bones healthy?

                                               

Normal bone

Osteoporosis

Bone Health Bones are living tissue, they provide

structural support, protect vital organs and store calcium.

Until age 30, we store and build bone effectively.

As part of the aging process, bones begin to break down faster than they are formed.

Accelerates after menopause. Estrogen is the hormone that protects against bone loss.

Detection

Bone Density Tests: Can detect osteoporosis before a

fracture occurs. Predicts your chances of fracturing

in the future. Determines your rate of bone loss

and monitors the effects of treatment.

Bone Mass DensityThe National Osteoporosis Foundation Recommends you have a BDT if: You use medications that cause osteoporosis You have type I diabetes, liver disease,

kidney disease or a family history You experience early menopause You’re postmenopausal over 50 and have at

least one risk factor. You’re postmenopausal over 65 and never

had a test.

Prevention Diet Building strong bones in childhood and

adolescence is the best defense. A balanced diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D Weight bearing exercise A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or

excessive alcohol intake. Bone density testing and medication when

appropriate.

Diet Eat less refined carbohydrates - sugar - starch Avoid wheat Avoid milk

Calcium Is needed for heart muscles, and

nerves to function properly. Inadequate amounts contribute to

osteoporosis. Appropriate calcium intake falls

between 1000 and 1300 mg a day.

Calcium

Increase calcium: Consume calcium rich foods such

as, low-fat milk, cheese, broccoli, and others.

Calcium supplement, if dietary calcium consumption is inadequate

How to get enough Calcium every day!

Follow the Food Guide Pyramid for Dietary Calcium Sources

Dairy- low fat yogurt, skim milk, cheese, chocolate pudding, ice milk, ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Protein- tofu, sardines, salmon Vegetables- turnip greens, Bok Choy, Broccoli,

collard greens Other foods: vegetable lasagna, cheese

enchilada, cheese pizza, calcium fortified orange juice.

Vitamin D Is needed for your body to absorb

calcium. Comes from 2 sources : the sun

and Fortified dairy products, egg yolks, saltwater fish, and liver.

Need 400-800 IU a day.

Exercise Exercising regularly in childhood

and adolescence can ensure that you will reach peak bone density.

Need to participate in weight bearing exercise. For example, walking, dancing, jogging, stair climbing, racquet sports and hiking.

Medications There is no cure, but several

medications have been approved. Each stops or slows bone loss, increases

bone density, and reduces fracture risk. Estrogen Replacement, Alendronate,raloxitene and risedronate

are prescribed to prevent and treat the disease.

Bone-Building Checklist Maintain a calcium rich diet. Get plenty of vitamin D Engage in weight-bearing exercise Don’t smoke and limit alcohol intake Consider Hormone Replacement or

other medications if you are at risk.

What’s next? We need to educate young women

and teenagers about the risk of osteoporosis.