Osteoporosis Myths

Osteoporosis is an insidious, initially totally painless disease. Therefore, the first signs in advance of the disease are often not taken seriously enough. Furthermore, circulating the false idea that osteoporosis is not treatable.

Myth 1: Osteoporosis is a rare disease.

The opposite is true: In developed countries, osteoporosis has become an endemic disease. Almost eight million people in Germany alone that, but only a minority is treated. The number of osteoporotic hip fractures in Germany amounted to about 100,000 per year. Approximately 30% of all women suffer once in their lives caused by osteoporosis vertebral fracture.

Myth 2: I'm too young to me to worry about osteoporosis.

Wrong! Prevention begins at a young age, because even at this time, the foundation for future disease can be determined. Especially with young people play an adequate calcium intake, adequate supply of the body with vitamin D and regular exercise is an important role to build an optimum bone mass. Also, a healthy lifestyle is useful: For successful prevention of osteoporosis, it is recommended not to smoke, consume less alcohol and avoid phosphate-rich foods (such as cola drinks, sweets, fast food), since they prevent the absorption of calcium in the bones.

Myth 3: Osteoporosis is a women's disease.

Wrong! Also, the "stronger sex" may suffer from osteoporosis. About 20% of osteoporosis patients in Germany are men. Although omitted in men, estrogen deficiency in menopause as an important risk factor that are otherwise in the risk factors - physical inactivity and poor diets included, barely. Often appears in men of testosterone decrease in old age or long-term use of cortisone for the disease outbreak to be responsible, but also a high alcohol and nicotine consumption may play a role.

Myth 4: If osteoporosis is detected, you can do nothing against the disease.

But! To bone and spinal fractures, excruciating pain and permanent disability must not happen. If the bone loss observed in the early stages, it can be stopped frequently by drug treatment. Even at an advanced stage bone fractures can often be prevented by drugs and the quality of life improved significantly. In addition, it is never too late to counter with an individual exercise program and healthy diet rich in calcium for osteoporosis.

Myth 5: Osteoporosis is not so serious that they should worry about.

Osteoporosis is a serious disease because it causes a progressive weakening of the bones. This goes so far that even a slight shock may or innocuous case to cause painful fractures, especially in the hip or the spine, but also at other skeletal sites.
One in four patients with femoral neck fracture die within the first twelve months after the fracture. Half is now walking dependent on foreign aid and a further quarter of the patients is nursing care.

Myth 6: I'm healthy, so I'm not at risk.

Unfortunately we have no indication of how strong your bones are. Unbeknownst to lose the body's natural bone density, although it is believed to live healthy. Especially when there are family preloads, you should be talking to his doctor about a possible osteoporosis and make a bone density test. This method allows the inference of osteoporotic fracture susceptibility of the bone. However, take the public health insurance costs for a bone density measurement is not often, but still there is no fracture.




I Suggest you read "The Myth of Osteoporosis"

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Smoking and Osteoporosis

There are many health problems that are caused by smoking. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the disease associated with smoking in the United States spend more than $ 75 billion each year. Smoking causes heart disease, lung cancer and stomach cancer, chronic lung disease. In addition, some studies have identified smoking as a risk factor for osteoporosis and susceptibility to fracture.

Osteoporosis

In osteoporosis the bones are weakened and more susceptible to fractures. Fractures from osteoporosis can result in significant pain, disability and sometimes death. Osteoporosis is a major health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, 68% of whom are women. In addition to smoking, there are several risk factors for osteoporosis:

•     thin or small size
•     the presence of disease or cases of fracture after 50 years of family history
•     or postmenopausal onset of premature menopause
•     abnormal absence of menstrual periods
•     using certain medications, including corticosteroids, long-term
•     calcium deficiency
•     lack of physical activity
•     alcohol abuse.

Osteoporosis can be prevented. Osteoporosis is a silent disease: it can progress for many years without symptoms, until such time until fracture occurs. He was named the children's illness, the consequences of which manifest themselves in old age, as the maintenance of bone health in young people helps prevent osteoporosis and fractures later. But never too late to learn new habits and to protect bone health.

Smoking and Osteoporosis

Tobacco was first designated as a risk factor for osteoporosis more than 20 years ago. Recent studies have shown a direct link between smoking and reduced bone density. It is difficult to analyze the impact of smoking on bone health, because it is difficult to determine whether the reduced bone density is due to smoking or other risk factors inherent in smokers. For example, in many cases, smokers have lower body weight than non-smokers tend to consume more alcohol, less physically active and have nutritional deficiencies. Women who smoke are also at menopause earlier than it happens in non-smokers. These factors are also subjected to many smokers at increased risk of osteoporosis, along with tobacco.

In addition, many studies concerning the effects of smoking suggest that smoking increases the risk of fractures. Not all studies support these findings, but the evidence is increasing. For example:

1.     The longer you smoke, and the more cigarettes you consume, the greater the risk that you'll be prone to fractures in the elderly.
2.     Fractures in smokers grow together longer than non-smokers, and they have a more complications in the process of accretion.
3.     Significant bone loss in elderly men and women who smoke.
4.     At least one study suggests that passive smoking in youth may increase the risk of low bone mass.
5.     Women who smoke often produce less estrogen (hormone), and they tend to attack premature menopause, unlike smoking, which can lead to increased bone loss.
6.     Quitting smoking reduces the risk of bone loss and fractures. However, the process of reducing the risk for people who quit smoking can take several years.

Strategies for managing osteoporosis

Quit smoking: The best thing a smoker can do to protect their bones, it is to quit smoking. Quitting smoking, even in adulthood, can help reduce bone loss, which is associated with smoking. There are many resources available to aid in smoking cessation, some of them are listed below.

Eat a balanced diet, foods fortified with calcium and vitamin D: Sources of calcium include dairy products low in fat, dark green, leafy vegetables, and foods and drinks that are fortified with calcium. Also, supplements can provide the necessary amount of calcium per day. Institute of Medicine recommends a daily calcium consumed at a rate of 1000 mg for men and women, and increase the dose to 1200 mg after the age of 50 years. Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin D can be obtained in its natural form as a result of exposure to sunlight, as well as foods and food additives. Sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, saltwater fish and liver. Some people can take supplements containing vitamin D, to get the recommended dose of 400 - 800 IU (international units) daily.

Work out for strong bones: Like muscles, bones consist of living tissue that responds to physical activity, becoming stronger. Weight loads, when you overcome the force of gravity, the best way to train the bone tissue. Some examples include: walking, climbing stairs, dancing and lifting weights. Regular exercise such as walking, can help prevent bone loss and provide many other benefits to enhance your overall health.

Avoid excessive use of alcohol: Chronic alcoholism may be associated with increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. Alcohol in large doses acts on the calcium balance in the body. It also affects the hormones that protect the bones, and vitamins that are needed for calcium absorption. Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to falls associated with the occurrence of fractures.

Talk to your doctor to conduct a survey of bone mineral density: A survey of bone mineral density indicates the density of bones in different parts of the body. These tests can detect the presence of osteoporosis before a fracture occurs, and can show your chances of fractures in the future. If you smoke, or smoke before, ask your doctor whether you should undergo bone density screening.

Should you take medicines: from osteoporosis, there is no cure. However, there are some medications that can prevent and cure disease in women after menopause and in men. Your doctor can help you decide whether you fit these medicines.

Resources to aid in smoking cessation

Smokefree.gov: Smokefree.gov, created by the National Cancer Institute, is designed to aid in smoking cessation. Different people need different resources as they try to quit smoking. The information and professional help that is available on this website can help you support your immediate and long-term needs at the start of smoking, the smoking process, and smoking cessation. Go to: www.smokefree.gov.

Path to Freedom: Be a winner in the fight against smoking: Designed for African Americans, this guide was developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in conjunction with the major segments of the African American community, including churches, service organizations and educational institutions. The development and processing of this guide were caused concern at the national level, a high level of smoking among African Americans, and the lack of suitable materials. The guide presents many aspects that are relevant to African Americans, such as targeted advertising campaigns and historical, cultural and socio-economic impact. This resource offers proven strategies for those who want to quit smoking, information on how this can help friends and family, as well as ideas of how society and its leaders can assist in establishing the value of a life without tobacco. Go to: www.cdc.gov / tobacco / quit / pathways.htm or call the following number: 1-800-232-1311 and request a free copy.

A breath of fresh air: Independence from smoking: Developed by the National Women's Health Information Center, this online program of support and education focused on smoking cessation in women. Information is also provided in Spanish. Go to: www.4woman.gov/QuitSmoking.

Forget about smoking: Written specifically for Latino families, "Forget about smoking" is part of bilingual brochures that explain the steps to be followed by people who want to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes. The information is presented in a friendly style that helps the reader to dispel the most common myths. Go to: www.nhlbi.nih.gov / health / public / heart / other / sp_smok.htm or please call: 301-592-8573 or 240-629-3255 (text telephone).

For the latest information and any questions about medications you are taking, please contact the Office of the Food and Drug Administration United States by number 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332, toll free) or visit their Web site: www.fda.gov.

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Osteoporosis| Who is Targeted?

IF previously had a lot of information about how the symptoms of osteoporosis and also forms of treatment, the following is anyone who is susceptible to osteoporosis. As quoted from the Times Health.

1. Women over 50 have a greater likelihood of risk of osteoporosis. This is because women are more easily and faster loss of bone tissue caused by menopause.

2. Not that men do not have the risk of osteoporosis in elderly men is often attacked by the disease this one. It is also due to the age of 70 years of bone loss occurs naturally. This thinning will also be exacerbated if inadequate intake of vitamin D.

3. Women with a body and smaller bones, are also at risk of osteoporosis.

4. In addition, a person who diets low in calcium. Even though it looks healthy, but actually he is in the coveted stage of osteoporosis. This is due to inadequate intake of calcium which helps in bone formation phase.

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Fast Food| Trigger Osteoporosis

STYLE modern living with the very practical things often make you eat fast food. However, before proceeding with this diet, it is useful to consider first the impact of poor health. Not only triggers obesity, fast food, or better known as fast food can also reduce bone density.

Fast food contains lots of fat, sodium, and sugar that has been expressed to lower bone density. In addition, fast food is not nutritionally balanced because the cooking process that can not be controlled. Several types of fast food rich in oil and butter, which of course also no guarantee of hygiene, and almost no fast food options are available with a reduced fat content. In addition, fast food is also likely to contain only a few vegetables and fruits.

Fast food is usually consistent with a soda or a cola drink. Did you know, sodas and colas contain a lot of phosphorus, minerals that form acid in the body. Research has found that phosphorus can interfere with the ability of bones to absorb calcium. A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine showed that adolescent girls who drink lots of soda at higher risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis.

In addition, these drinks are loaded with simple sugars are just as dangerous as sugar causes a decrease in bone density. Adolescence, the peak bone formation (approximately 40-60%), it is better to choose a diet of whole foods and drinks that are free from the risk of decreased bone mass.

Although you are eating fast food in moderation, the researchers state that your risk of obesity is still greater. The difference between fast food and cooked food at home, according to researchers, is the number of calories in a dose of the same.

The number of calories you should consume in a day can be met only with a meal at fast food outlets by eating foods such as burgers, fries, drinks and desserts. According to biologists, eating too much fast food can trigger physiological changes that can stop the hormones work in sending signals of satiety. Because it, you'll continue to eat unconsciously.

Under normal conditions, these hormones will control the process of eating and weight. Leptin, for example, will continually released by fat cells. Leptin levels in the blood indicates the status of supplies of body fat. This signal will then be read by the hypothalamus, a brain area that regulates eating habits, and make it as a guide in maintaining the stability of the stock.

Problem, according to endocrinologist at the University of Washington in Seattle Michael Schwartz, will arise in those who are overweight. Those who are obese, according to Schwartz, will be resistant to leptin. "The brain loses the ability to respond to these hormones when body fat increases," said Schwartz, as quoted womenfitness site.

The more fat contained in the body, the hypothalamus will be even less sensitive. In the end, the hypothalamus will assume that the excess amount in the body as a normal amount. And furthermore, any reduction in the amount of leptin is read as a gesture of hunger. That way, the frequency and number of meals you will be excessive.

Afternoon Sunlight Prevent Osteoporosis

You avoid the sun during the day, for example because you fear of the dark-skinned? Think again. A new health advice recommends that exposure to the sun at noon, good for your health.

Seven organizations have issued joint advice on vitamin D, obtained from the body's natural sunlight. Vitamin D keeps bones strong and keep us from osteoporosis (bone loss).

These instructions may be addressed with caution because of concerns about skin cancer, making people reluctant to direct sunlight at noon.

Cancer Research UK and the National Osteoporosis Society are two of the institutions that agreed to be exposed 'a little and regularly' sunshine several times a week can have a positive impact on health.

The experts now say no problem going outside the house in broad daylight when the sun is hot, as long as you use sunscreen before reddening.

Professor Rona Mackie from the British Association of Dermatologists said the total sun protection with sunscreen that has a high protection factor of the time was not ideal, especially in terms of levels of vitamin D.

"Even Australia has changed its policy about this. They published a graph showing the area of ​​Australia where the use of sun protection is not needed in a time of the year," says Professor Mackie.

A number of messages about sun exposure is too negative. Summer sunlight in the UK is not too strong. To this end we issued recommendations that exposure to 10-15 minutes in the UK in the summer, without sunscreen, several times a week is considered safe is balanced between the adequacy of vitamin D and risk of skin cancer.

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Launch of Generic Drugs for Osteoporosis

Boniva was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Agency (FDA) as a generic drug that is able to strengthen bones in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

The first generic versions of drugs issued by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. and privately held Apotex Inc. was recommended to be consumed in one month.

The Drugs.com website (19/3) states that effective Ibandronate Boniva or to help slow bone loss, increase bone mass, and also accelerate bone growth cycle.

Here is important information about Boniva:
1. Prevention of osteoporosis drug Boniva is specifically used for women.
2. Boniva may cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. Make sure you stay upright for at least 60 minutes after taking this medicine.
3. When taking Boniva, you are only allowed to consume water. Not advisable to eat or take vitamins at least one hour after taking this drug.


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Diuretic drugs trigger Osteoporosis

Diuretic drugs are used to control blood pressure was found to reduce the amount of calcium in the bones.
In addition, the drug causes bone thinning among men who consumed the drugs. Diuretic drugs reduce blood pressure by reducing the water content in the blood through the kidneys.
The conclusion was obtained by a study conducted Dr Lionel Lim and his colleagues from Griffin Hospital, Connecticut. The researchers found a direct correlation between drug use and blood pressure control that lead to bone thinning osteoporosis risk. Lim studied 3300 men aged 65 years and over.
Approximately 8% of them drank a good blood pressure control medications on a regular basis or not. The research team measured the hip bone density study subjects at baseline and then again take measurements after 4.5 years.

Aspirin and Osteoporosis

Aspirin in low doses can reduce the activity of cells that erode bone density. Thus the results of the study Dr. Songtao Shi University of Southern California, USA, and colleagues.

Increased activity of cells that erode bone density is believed to trigger osteoporosis. However, recent evidence revealed decreased activity of bone-forming cells also become one of the causes.

The study was conducted using rats. The research team found aspirin was able to reduce damage to the bone-forming cells in mice.

In addition, the pain-reducing medication in low doses can also increase the activity of bone-forming cells in mice. In contrast, the activity of cells that erode bone density weakens.

Although a number of studies involving humans have also concluded the same thing, Dr. Shi reminded still need further studies on the mechanism of aspirin in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Tirotropin Prevent Osteoporosis

The good news for people with osteoporosis given by researchers in New York. As reported health media HealthDay News, researchers recently discovered tirotropin can prevent osteoporosis and even reshape the bone tissue. Tirotropin or better known as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone that regulates the secretion of thyroid hormones.

Tirotropin known to have a role in bone reabsorption. Mone Zaidi of Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York said the results make the researchers optimistic about the possibility of tirotropin therapy for women who have osteoporosis.

Even so, the study can not answer about the possibility of adverse thyroid hormone release is triggered tirotropin. The reason, according to Zaidi, the possibility could not be investigated through their test animals.

Even so, tirotropin therapy in women experiencing menopause thyroid cancer has been shown to not push the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

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