Osteoporosis Prevention in Alexandria, VA
Osteoporosis is a common disease that occurs when the bones in our body lose minerals faster than they can be replaced, increasing the likelihood that a senior will suffer a debilitating injury from an accidental fall. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), low bone mass and osteoporosis affect 52 million Americans and account for two million fractures and $19 billion in related expenses each year.
After the age of 50, women have a 50 percent chance of suffering an osteoporosis-related fracture, while men 50 and over have a 25 percent chance.
This risk increases dramatically after the first occurrence!
Due to the high physical and financial cost that osteoporosis presents to senior care, prevention and treatment are top priorities. Here are a few of the leading options:
Medication Can Help!
Most osteoporosis drugs work by blocking the effect of bone-destroying cells that increase in number as people age. One compound, Denosumab (a medication used to treat osteoporosis and prevent bone loss in certain cancer patients by inhibiting bone breakdown), helps prevent the formation of these harmful cells.
Denosumab was shown to be effective in preventing fractures in the two most at-risk populations for osteoporosis, postmenopausal women and men in treatment for prostate cancer.
Other osteoporosis drugs belong to a group of medications called bisphosphonates, which behave much like the female hormone estrogen, meaning they inhibit bone breakdown, preserve bone mass, and may even increase bone density in the spine and hips. Examples of these medications include:
- Fosamax
- Boniva
- Actonel
- Reclast
Remember to consult a physician about the benefits and potential side effects of any medication before starting it to help determine if it will be safe and effective for you or your loved one.
How About Hormone Therapy?
Due to the availability of other treatment options, estrogen therapy is generally not the first choice for maintaining bone density. Potential serious side effects can include the increased risk of :
- blood clots
- breast and endometrial cancer
- heart disease
Calcium And Vitamin D: A Winning Combination
Maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin D is the easiest way to prevent or treat osteoporosis. However, it is essential to remember that the amount of calcium our bones need changes as we age.
According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), it increases from 210 to 270 milligrams per day during the first year of life and peaks at 1,300 milligrams from ages 9 to 18, before declining to 1,000 milligrams from ages 19 to 50 and then rising to 1,200 milligrams at age 51 and older. The amount of calcium an individual requires varies, but the IOM recommends limiting total calcium intake to 2,500 milligrams a day.
Natural sources of calcium include:
- Dairy products
- Almonds
- Broccoli
- Cooked kale
- Soy products
Vitamin D is also essential for bone health due to its role in calcium absorption. Most people obtain sufficient vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, but it is also found in fish and egg yolks. If this doesn’t provide enough, vitamin D can also be taken as a supplement as directed by a doctor.
Get Moving!
While it may be true that a lifetime of proper exercise is ideal, you can still experience benefits no matter when you start! Exercise and physical therapy are often used in combination with osteoporosis medications and other treatments to enhance bone strength, improve posture, increase muscle strength, and improve balance, thereby reducing the likelihood of falls.
Combining weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, with strength training using weights can help you achieve the best results.
Reduce Fall Risks
Additionally, you can help reduce the risk of injury by taking steps to make your home, or your loved one’s, safer. Things to check for can include:
- Area Rugs
- Electric Cords
- Slippery Surfaces
- Grab bars for showers or bathtubs
Comfort Keepers® Cares!
When you work with Comfort Keepers®, you can be assured that your loved one is receiving the best care. By utilizing our unique approach, Interactive Caregiving™, our caregivers ensure that the seniors they support are nourished mentally, physically, and socially, enabling them to live happily and independently in their own homes.
If you’d like to learn more about our caregivers and how they can support your loved one’s bone health, contact us online or call us.
