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Spring 2003

Newsletter Contents:
A Message from the Administrator
What is Osteoporosis?
Myth 1: Osteoporosis Is Not a Serious Disease
Myth 2: Osteoporosis Only Happens to Old People
Myth 3: Healthy People Don't Get Osteoporosis
Myth 4: Once You Have Osteoporosis It Can't Be Treated

A MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR

In order to better serve our patients, Weaverville Family Medicine offers extended hours for sick visits and urgent medical care. Our office is open until seven o'clock every evening, Monday through Friday. We are also open from nine o'clock in the morning until three o'clock in the afternoon on Saturdays. Please call 645-3066 to schedule an appointment.

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?
Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens bones so they become fragile and more likely to break. The broken bones that result can lead to pain, height loss, difficulty moving around, a backbone that curves forward (sometimes called a "dowager's hump") and, possibly, permanent disability and dependence.

MYTH 1: OSTEOPOROSIS IS NOT A SERIOUS DISEASE

Your bones depend on a balance of minerals and hormones to stay strong. If this balance is disturbed, and your bones lose calcium faster than it is restored, then the bones are weakened. Called the "silent thief" the process of osteoporosis can take place over years, with few obvious signs or symptoms. For some women, the first sign is a broken bone. Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, especially of the spine, wrist, and hip. Other, less traumatic signs include backache, loss of height, a Dowager's hump, and tooth loss. Aside from physical symptoms, osteoporosis can cause psychological trauma. The loss of height, a stooped appearance, and fear of fractures can cause self-consciousness, low self-esteem, and depression.

MYTH 2: OSTEOPOROSIS ONLY HAPPENS TO OLD PEOPLE
Women over 65 are at greatest risk because they typically attain less bone mass as young adults than men, and experience more rapid bone loss after menopause. Women and men of any age can reduce their risk, because osteoporosis is not a disease that happens only to older people...it gets started decades earlier.

Although osteoporosis is most often diagnosed later in life, your risk can be reduced at any age, especially if you take steps to increase bone mass by your mid-30s. After age 40, bone mass begins to slowly decline and can accelearate dramatically after menopause. The greater your bone mass to begin with, the better your chances of maintaining strong bones throughout your life. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you may be able to prevent further damage or even reverse the effects.

To prevent osteoporosis, you need a healthy diet and enough exercise. Many adults and more than 50 percent of children do not get the recommended milligrams of calcium each day. You also need enough vitamin D, or your body cannot absorb calcium or add it to your bones. An exercise program started before your mid-30s can increase bone mass, and exercise thereafter prevents bone loss. It is a good idea to talk to your doctor before you start any new nutrition plan or exercise plan.

Minimize the risk of falls or other accidents that could result in broken bones by eliminating hazards around your home and work. Start by wearing sturdy shoes, removing clutter, securing rugs, and wearing a seatbelt while in the car. Install hand rails in the tub and shower. You may also want to review your medications with your doctor. Ask about potential side effects such as dizziness, loss of balance, or lightheadedness.

MYTH 3: Healthy People Don't Get Osteoporosis
All women, and some men, are at risk of osteoporosis. Your family history, diet, lifestyle, and medical history all affect your risk. If you are of slight build, fair coloring, and low body weight, you may also be at increased risk.

Check this list to see if you have any osteoporosis risk factors:
· over 65 years of age
· women are at four times greater risk than men
· past menopause
· women who have never given birth
· Asian and Caucasian women; or women with small frames and low body weight, or with fair hair and freckles.
· a family history of osteoporosis
· excessive or inadequate intake of some foods
· alcohol
· cigarette smoking
· lack of exercise
· long-term use of corticosteroid medication
· other disease such as overactive thyroid or kidney disease than inhibits calcium absorption.

The more of these risk factors that you have, the greater your risk of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor to discuss your risk for osteoporosis, and how you can act now to reduce that risk. Not having any of the above risk factors does not mean that you are risk free. You should still be aware of the symptoms of osteoporosis, and continue good bone health habits.

MYTH 4: Once You Have Osteoporosis It Can't Be Treated
Treatment options for osteoporosis range from no intervention to supplements and medical therapy. Your doctor will probably start with a review of your medical and family history, and a physical exam. Your doctor may also have you undergo bone densitometry. A bone density test (or DEXA) measures the amount of calcium in the bones. There is no risk or discomfort to the patient. A low-dose x-ray is used to scan your body.

Weaverville Family Medicine offers bone density testing in our office. The results may show that you have osteoporosis, meaning you are at risk for bone fractures. Or the test may show that you have osteopenia, a condition that is less severe but may lead to osteoporosis if something is not done to prevent bone loss. In either case, you and your doctor will decide on a treatment plan.

If you think you are at risk for osteoporosis, or you would like to learn more about improving your bone health, make an appointment with your doctor. Weaverville Family Medicine also offers several free informative brochures. Othe resources on osteoporosis include:
· The National Osteoporosis Foundation (1-202-223-2226)
· AARP chapter
· Your managed care organization
· National Osteoporosis Foundation Web site www.nof.org

Please join us this summer, for the next edition of the Weaverville Family Medicine Newsletter.

Do you have questions about The Weaverville Family Medicine Newsletter? Please contact us at 645-3066.

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