Osteoporosis New Jersey
Our bones are constantly undergoing a remodeling process. Old bone is being broken down and rebuilt in place. When we’re young, this is the body’s way keeping bones strong and facilitating growth. As we get older, the breakdown process can predominate, causing bone thinning. Over 44 million Americans have lower than normal bone mass including 10 million people who have progressed to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition that involves a progressive loss of calcium in the bones, causing them to become brittle and fragile. The longer this condition goes untreated, the greater the risk of fractures. Older people who sustain fractures have a lower overall quality of life and tend to be less independent. There are some risk factors for osteoporosis that people should be aware of as they age:
- Family history of osteoporosis or fractures
- Recent history of falls or fractures
- Low body weight
- Smoking
- Low calcium intake
- Poor overall health including thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis
- Use of medications that can cause a loss of bone density such as corticosteroids, certain anti-seizure medications, some barbiturates, or high-doses thyroid replacement drugs
What can be done? Take steps to improve and ensure your bone health.
- Get the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D daily. Speak with your Old Hook Medical primary care physician for guidance about diet and supplements.
- Perform some weight bearing exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Have a bone density test if recommended.
Who should be tested? Women over 65 years of age and post-menopausal women under 65 with risk factors should be screened for osteoporosis. Men over 65 with risk factors should also be tested. The test, called a Bone Mineral Density Test (DXA Scan), is painless and uses small amounts of ionizing radiation to assess the degree of bone thinning. The doctors at Old Hook Medical can prescribe this test as well as a Lateral Vertebral Assessment x-ray for older patients who have lost more than an inch in height. Dr. Steven Rosner is a Board-Certified Rheumatologist and Bone Densitometrist with expertise in diagnosing and treating osteoporosis.
