Promoting Bone Health

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), low bone mass and osteoporosis affect 52 million Americans. It accounts for two million fractures and $19 billion in related expenses each year.

Promoting Bone Health | After the age of 50, women have a 50-percent chance of suffering an osteoporosis-related fracture. The risk increases dramatically after the first occurrence. Men 50 and over have a 25-percent chance of suffering an osteoporosis-related fracture. A variety of preventive health strategies help slow and lessen the effects of osteoporosis, a natural weakening of the bones as we age.

Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Options

The high physical and financial cost of osteoporosis makes prevention or treatment a top priority for seniors. Here are some leading options:

Medications Related to Bone Health

Most osteoporosis drugs block the effect of bone-destroying cells that increase in number as we get older. A compound called Denosumab helps prevent the formation of harmful cells. Declaring it one of 2009’s “Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs,” Time magazine states that two studies showed Denosumab to be effective in preventing fractures in the two largest at-risk populations for osteoporosis, postmenopausal women and men in treatment for prostate cancer. 

Other osteoporosis drugs, such as Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, and Reclast, belong to a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. According to the Mayo Clinic, these drugs, much like the female hormone estrogen, inhibit bone breakdown, preserve bone mass and even increase bone density in the spine and hip, reducing the risk of fractures.

The drug Evista also mimics estrogen’s positive effects on bone density. Calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, slows bone loss. Forteo is a powerful drug that stimulates new bone growth.

Talk with your physician about these drugs, their benefits, and their side effects to help determine if any may be effective and safe for you.

Hormone Therapy for Bone Health

Estrogen therapy is generally not the first choice for maintaining bone density due to the availability of other options and the increased risk of blood clots, breast and endometrial cancer, and heart disease.

Calcium for Bone Health

The amount of calcium our bones require from food and supplements changes as we age, according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM). It rises from 210 to 270 milligrams a 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 rising to 1,200 milligrams at ages 51 and up.

Natural sources of calcium include dairy products, almonds, broccoli, spinach, cooked kale, canned salmon with bones, sardines, and soy products. Those who have trouble getting adequate calcium from their diet may consider a supplement, but the IOM recommends limiting total calcium intake to 2,500 milligrams a day. (Required calcium intake varies by individual. Always check with your doctor before taking a calcium supplement or any other nutritional supplement.) 

Vitamins for Bone Health

Vitamin D is also essential to bone health. Many people get adequate amounts of this nutrient from sunlight. But that is not always possible if you live at a high latitude, are housebound, regularly use sunscreen, or avoid the sun to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Vitamin D is available in oily fish and egg yolks. If this does not provide enough, a good alternative is a vitamin D supplement or a calcium supplement that includes vitamin D.

While calcium and vitamin D are good for your bones, cigarettes and alcohol are not. Do not smoke, and limit your alcohol consumption. Smoking increases bone loss, as it inhibits the production of estrogen and reduces the absorption of calcium in the intestine. Consumption of more than two alcoholic drinks a day decreases bone formation and reduces calcium absorption.

Physical Therapy and Exercise for Bone Health

Often used in combination with medications and other therapies, physical therapy helps improve bone strength, posture, muscle strength, and balance, thereby making falls less likely. Exercise also reduces the risk of falling. A lifetime of exercise is ideal, but you can realize the benefits no matter when you start. (However, see your doctor before you begin.) For the best overall results, combine weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, and strength training with weights.

Fall Prevention

In addition to exercise, you can reduce the risk of falls and broken bones by taking steps toward making your or your loved one’s home safer. This can start by checking for and removing hazards, such as electrical cords, area rugs, and slippery surfaces, which might cause trips or falls. Also, improve lighting inside your home and around outside areas such as pathways or sidewalks.

There are a variety of means for preventing or treating osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor and find the best way to care for your bones.

Check over-the-counter skin care products to ensure they aren’t alcohol-based. Alcohol can irritate the skin further, so choose products that include ceramides, lipids, and hyaluronic acid – natural moisturizers that the body produces less of with age.

Use a humidifier in the home to help distribute moisture and prevent dry skin.

Avoid using fragrances, as they can inflame psoriasis.

With physician/dietician approval, follow a healthy diet that includes cold water fish, omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts. Also, consider adding turmeric to your diet. This natural supplement’s anti-inflammatory properties are known to help reduce psoriasis flare-ups.  

Avoid alcohol. Studies have shown that alcohol is a trigger for psoriasis, and frequent consumption can even increase the chances of developing the condition.

Maintain a healthy weight through exercise and – as noted above – a healthy diet. Doing so will also help to reduce the risk of other psoriasis-related health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. Remember to consult a physician before beginning any exercise regimen.

Reduce stress whenever and however possible. Like alcohol, stress is a known psoriasis trigger – but unlike alcohol, stress can be harder to avoid in day-to-day life. To help keep it at bay, consider practicing yoga, meditation, or other activities that can bring a sense of peace.

Maintain a strong support network. Late-onset psoriasis can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, so whether it be friends, family, or an actual support group, having people to talk to about the condition can help improve emotional well-being.

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