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 Harrison, NY - According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, an estimated 44 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis, rendering it a public health threat.
In the United States, 10 million individuals are estimated to already have this "silent" disease, and almost 34 million are at an increased risk for osteoporosis due to low bone mass.
Osteoporosis is a bone disorder in which bone strength is decreased, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Diminished bone strength is caused by a decrease in both bone mineral density and the quality of the bone's internal structure. The hip, spine and wrist are typically at the greatest risk for fracture, although any bone can be affected.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include heredity, female gender, race, low body weight, menopause, and such lifestyle factors as low calcium/vitamin D intake, lack of exercise, excess alcohol consumption and smoking. Heredity accounts for 70% to 80% of the influence on peak bone mass, with lifestyle factors accounting for the remaining 20% to 30%.
In recognition of National Osteoporosis Month, Dr. Catherine Giess, founder and director of Mira Women's Imaging, recommends the following to improve bone health and help prevent osteoporosis from striking.
Foods rich in Vitamin D and calcium are important for bone health. Such foods include beef, liver, egg yolks, sardines and milk. Milk is also rich in calcium, as is yogurt, cheese, tofu, salmon, spinach, broccoli and almonds.
Weight-bearing exercise is important for people of all ages but can be particularly beneficial in individuals with weak bones. To strengthen bones and slow the process of bone mineral loss, low-impact water aerobics, free weights and weight machines are beneficial. These exercises also help to increase muscle mass and improve bone strength. Walking and jogging also contribute to better bone health. One should always check with one's physician before commencing any new exercise program.
Dr. Giess explained that a simple, low-radiation test is also effective in measuring bone mineral density. "A DXA test measures bone mineral density in the spine and hip. Identifying low bone mass in patients enables doctors to predict a patient's risk of future fracture and prescribe the appropriate course of action," she said.
Those at risk for osteoporosis should avoid excess alcohol consumption, because it interferes with calcium balance in the body and vitamin D production. Excess alcohol also interferes with bone mineral density by affecting certain hormones that protect the bones.
In addition to myriad health risks, smoking also decreases blood supply to bones. Nicotine slows the production of bone-forming cells and impairs calcium absorption. Smokers may have such confounding factors as lower body weight, increased alcohol consumption, may be less active, and may have earlier menopause.
Mira Women's Imaging is located at 600 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 102, Harrison, NY 10528. For additional information, call 914.468.1000, email
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or visit www.mirawomensimaging.com.
About Mira Women's Imaging: Mira Women's Imaging is a state-of-the-art breast health facility offering mammography, breast ultrasound, DXA scans, and diagnostic care in a setting that is comfortable and private. Founder and director Dr. Catherine Giess is a fellowship-trained radiologist and a regional breast health expert with over 12 years of clinical experience in breast imaging and minimally-invasive diagnostic procedures.
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