Discovery that’s helping osteoporosis treatment
Most people are aware of the body’s need for calcium to maintain strong, healthy bones and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
What’s less known is the need for Vitamin D to help the body absorb the calcium. And while most osteoporosis prevention supplements contain Vitamin D, doctors are now discovering that it may not be enough.
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Dr. Richard Reese, Orthopedic Center Medical
Director, says adding more Vitamin D to the diet
can help the body absorb the calcium needed to
strengthen bone mass. |
“A study last year brought to light that many people have such low levels of Vitamin D that even the maintenance levels in supplements are insufficient,” says Richard Reese, MD, Medical Director of the Lancaster General Orthopedic Center. “One-third of women over 55 have insufficient levels of Vitamin D, and that is making their medication less effective.”
Milk, sunlight and vitamin supplements are all good sources of Vitamin D.
As a leader in education for musculoskeletal initiatives, the Orthopedic Center has made osteoporosis awareness a high priority, says Stacey Youcis, Assistant Vice President of Musculoskeletal & Surgical Services at Lancaster General Hospital.
“Fortunately, osteoporosis can be treated and some of the bone loss can be reversed,” Stacey says. “There are treatment options available for everyone.”
But our goal is to get more people to address deficiencies earlier in life. “Some bone loss is normal for aging,” she says. “But taking preventive steps earlier in life can help you maintain a higher bone density and avoid serious and sometimes life-threatening fractures later in life.”
“While we can reverse the effects, we would rather have you hang on to what you have than regain what you’ve lost,” Dr. Reese adds.
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Osteoporosis - A Silent Disease
Dr. Reese and Stacey will present a free Focus
on Health program on “Osteoporosis—A
Silent Disease” on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
at Faith Reformed Presbyterian Church,
611 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville. They will
discuss current treatments and ways to prevent
or live with this disease. Click here to register
on-line, call 1-800-341-2121. |
With no intervention, Dr. Reese says women lose about one percent of bone density every year after menopause. But often overlooked is that men are also susceptible to losing bone mass and developing osteoporosis, about 7-8 years later than women on average. “Men can get it just as easily as women. It just happens a little later in life,” Stacey says.
With no outward symptoms unless a person suffers a “fragility fracture”—a bone break from a non-traumatic injury, such as a fall—Dr. Reese recommends a Dexa bone scan for women over age 65, men over age 70, or anyone younger with risk factors present.
With a diet that includes Vitamin D and calcium, regular exercise to increase your overall body circulation and supplements, women and men can increase bone density and better protect themselves from osteoporosis.
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