this silent disease is wreaking havoc on older adults - all without their knowledge.
Dr. Mary McKenzie Physician, CHI Memorial Center for Integrative Medicine
“Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone strength predisposing individuals to an increased risk of fracture, and it’s common in postmenopausal women,” says Dr. Mary McKenzie, a physician with CHI Memorial Integrative Medicine Associates. With menopause, women’s bodies start producing less estrogen, a hormonal change that can accelerate bone breakdown. It’s even reported that women lose up to 20% of their bone mass following menopause. And unfortunately, as women age, the seriousness of a bone break or fracture increases exponentially, often requiring surgery and a lengthened recovery period.
Osteoporosis is frequently referred to as “the silent disease.” The reasoning for this? According to Dr. McKenzie, “Osteoporosis is considered ‘silent’ because it is not a condition you can feel. The bone thinning process occurs slowly over time, then progresses to severe bone weakening. This sets the stage for fracture, some of which are spontaneous, and not caused by trauma.” Therefore, just because you don’t recognize any symptoms doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. It is important to schedule yearly physicals to detect possible early warning signs.
While osteoporosis is most commonly associated with older adults, the warning signs can crop up before you’re finished blowing out the candles on your 30th birthday cake. Osteopenia, or low bone density, is a precursor to osteoporosis, and it’s reported that one in five women under 30 has it. Therefore, it’s never too early to take care of your bones. Dr. McKenzie recommends, “Develop a healthy lifestyle that fosters the following: maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly with routines that include walking, running, and weight training, avoiding heavy alcohol usage, quitting smoking, and getting routine physicals each year to detect early warning signs.”
In fact, it’s equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. Fortunately, there are tweaks you can make to your diet to improve bone strength. In addition to maintaining a well-balanced diet, up your intake of calcium and vitamin D. Eat foods rich in both, like cheese, milk, and yogurt. Other calcium-rich foods include almonds, dates, and sesame seeds, while eggs, salmon, and fortified cereals are all great sources of vitamin D. If you find you’re still struggling to reach appropriate levels, a doctor may recommend oral supplements. “It’s important to note that adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D can help strengthen bones and prevent fracture, but individuals who have already experienced a fracture will need more specialized treatment,” says Dr. David Bowers, the medical director at Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation.
While walking, running, weight training, and other moderate activities are great for strengthening bones, it is possible to over train and push your bones too far. Overdoing it on the elliptical, in the pool, or on a bike can actually cause your bones to lose density. Instead, doctors recommend exercises like kickboxing or running three times a week, along with strength training exercises like squats, pushups, and tricep dips. “Weight-bearing exercises are helpful in preventing and treating osteoporosis and preventing fractures,” says Dr. Bowers. “Adding light hand weights can help move weight through the spine as well, a common area for fracture risk.”
You can thank your parents for your hair color, your personality…and your weak bones. Studies with families and twins have shown that genetic factors contribute to osteoporosis and other phenotypes (genetic characteristics) associated with fracture risk. In fact, it’s estimated that around 75% of a person’s peak bone mass is influenced by genetics. So, if mom or dad suffered from osteoporosis, your likelihood of developing the disease is greater. If you are genetically predisposed to osteoporosis, diet, exercise, and regular bone mass screenings are especially important.
Dr. David Bowers Medical Director, Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation
Because osteoporosis doesn’t present obvious symptoms, a dangerous fracture could be the first sign if proper precautions aren’t taken. Therefore, regular bone density screenings are recommended for women over 65, or those with preexisting risk factors.
While preventing osteoporosis before its onset is optimum, there’s hope for those facing it head-on. “Not only can we rebuild bones damaged by osteoporosis, but with the appropriate management, we can now effectively reverse the disease,” says Dr. Bowers.
So make no bones about it: our skeletons are worthy of our attention.