Public Spark

A couple years ago, my mom was diagnosed with Osteoporosis, a debilitating disease where bones become fragile and easy to break. Just recently after she took a bone density scan, we found that it had gotten much worse than expected. This was hard for the family, but especially for my mom. Although there are no cures at this time, there are medications that can be taken to slow down the disease and make the existing bones stronger. My mom has been in contact with various physicians as to the best treatment option and I as well have been trying to understand osteoporosis. Here are some information and resources that I gathered.

RISK FACTORS

Familydoctor lists:

• menopause before age 48

• osteoporosis in your family

• alcohol abuse

• thin body and small bone frame

• fair skin (Caucasian or Asian race)

• hyperthyroidism

Medicine Net lists:

• chemotherapy

• amenorrhea (loss of menstrual period)

• chronic inflammation

• vitamin D deficiency

STATISTICS

eMedicine

• In the U.S., approximately 10 million people have osteoporosis.

• Internationally, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men worldwide.

• Approximately 1.5 million fractures per year in the U.S. are attributed to osteoporosis and more than 37,000 people die from subsequent fracture-related complications.

MANAGEMENT

• Medications:

  My mom is currently taking Boniva , a once a month biphosphate treatment. There are other medication and treatment options listed in National Osteoporosis Foundation and Medicine Net .

• She has also been doing light weight bearing exercises to build her strength and also watching her nutrition (increase in vitamins and calcium, balanced diet).

PREVENTION TIPS Familydoctor

• exercise

• well balanced diet

• quit smoking

• talk to your doctor about medicines to prevent or treat osteoporosis

RESOURCES

• National Osteoporosis Foundation has various health information, facts, frequently asked questions, as well as newsletters.

• Familydoctor has general background information on osteoporosis in women.

• eMedicine is a more clinical reference with lab studies, treatment and medication information.

• MedicineNet has information on symptoms, consequences, risk factors, treatment, and prevention of osteoporosis.

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has an article on general information about osteoporosis as well as additional resources.

• MedlinePlus has a composite of resources, which include basic information, research, multi media and references on osteoporosis.

Please feel free to share your stories and comments.