Transcript Osteoporosis Created by: Tricia Fleming, University of Kansas Dietetic Intern Tammy Beason, MS, RD, Nutrition Education Specialist, Family Nutrition Education Program December 2001

Osteoporosis
Created by:
Tricia Fleming, University of Kansas Dietetic Intern
Tammy Beason, MS, RD, Nutrition Education
Specialist, Family Nutrition Education Program
December 2001
Osteoporosis
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A major public threat for more than 28
million Americans. 80 % are women.
One in 2 women and One in 8 men over
50 will have an osteoporosis related
fracture.
The estimated cost for osteoporotic and
associated fractures is 38 million a day!
What is it?
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A disease in which bones become
fragile and more likely to break.
Breaks usually occur in the hip, spine
and wrist.
What is it?
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Hip and spine fractures are a major
concern.
Hip fractures almost always require
surgery and hospitalization.
Spine fractures have serious
consequences such as loss of height,
severe back pain, and deformity.
What causes osteoporosis?
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Scientist have not yet learned all the reasons
this occurs.
When you are young your body makes new
bone faster than it breaks down old bones.
As you get older, this process slows down and
you start losing bone density.
The risk for osteoporosis depends on how
much bone mass you attained between ages
25 and 35 and how fast you lose it.
Risk Factors
Certain people are more likely to develop
this disease than others.
 Female
 Thin and/or small frame
 Advanced age
 Family history of osteoporosis
 Post menopause
Risk Factors
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Anorexia nervosa or bulimia
Diet low in calcium
Use of certain medications
Low testosterone levels in men
An inactive lifestyle
Cigarette smoking
Excessive use of alcohol
Being Asian or Caucasian
Are your bones healthy?
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Normal bone
Osteoporosis
Bone Health
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Bones are living tissue, they provide
structural support, protect vital organs and
store calcium.
Until age 30, we store and build bone
effectively.
As part of the aging process, bones begin to
break down faster than they are formed.
Accelerates after menopause. Estrogen is the
hormone that protects against bone loss.
Detection
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Bone Density Tests:
Can detect osteoporosis before a
fracture occurs.
Predicts your chances of fracturing in
the future.
Determines your rate of bone loss and
monitors the effects of treatment.
Bone Mass Density
The National Osteoporosis Foundation
Recommends you have a BDT if:
 You use medications that cause osteoporosis
 You have type I diabetes, liver disease,
kidney disease or a family history
 You experience early menopause
 You’re postmenopausal over 50 and have at
least one risk factor.
 You’re postmenopausal over 65 and never
had a test.
Prevention
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Building strong bones in childhood and
adolescence is the best defense.
A balanced diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D
Weight bearing exercise
A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or
excessive alcohol intake.
Bone density testing and medication when
appropriate.
Calcium
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Is needed for heart muscles, and nerves
to function properly.
Inadequate amounts contribute to
osteoporosis.
Appropriate calcium intake falls
between 1000 and 1300 mg a day.
Calcium
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Increase calcium:
Consume calcium rich foods such as,
low-fat milk, cheese, broccoli, and
others.
Calcium supplement, if dietary calcium
consumption is inadequate
How to get enough Calcium
every day!
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Follow the Food Guide Pyramid
for Dietary Calcium Sources
Dairy- low fat yogurt, skim milk, cheese, chocolate
pudding, ice milk, ice cream or frozen yogurt.
Protein- tofu, sardines, salmon
Vegetables- turnip greens, Bok Choy, Broccoli,
collard greens
Other foods: vegetable lasagna, cheese enchilada,
cheese pizza, calcium fortified orange juice.
Vitamin D
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Is needed for your body to absorb
calcium.
Comes from 2 sources : the sun and
Fortified dairy products, egg yolks,
saltwater fish, and liver.
Need 400-800 IU a day.
Exercise
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Exercising regularly in childhood and
adolescence can ensure that you will
reach peak bone density.
Need to participate in weight bearing
exercise. For example, walking,
dancing, jogging, stair climbing, racquet
sports and hiking.
Medications
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There is no cure, but several medications
have been approved.
Each stops or slows bone loss, increases bone
density, and reduces fracture risk.
Estrogen Replacement,
Alendronate,raloxitene and risedronate are
prescribed to prevent and treat the disease.
Bone-Building Checklist
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Maintain a calcium rich diet.
Get plenty of vitamin D
Engage in weight-bearing exercise
Don’t smoke and limit alcohol intake
Consider Hormone Replacement or
other medications if you are at risk.
What’s next?
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We need to educate young women and
teenagers about the risk of
osteoporosis.
Great resource: www.nof.org