| Michael McClung, M.D., Director All women are at risk of developing osteoporosis, but some are at higher risk than others. The time to work on prevention is now, and the key is knowing your risks. Osteoporosis, a disease that causes serious thinning and fragility of the bones, strikes far more women than men. Fortunately, today we can prevent osteoporosis, if we start soon enough. What women should know
At the Oregon Osteoporosis Center, we make an initial assessment of a woman's risk for osteoporosis based on the following clinical risk factors: - Thin body build
- Family history of fractures
- Low calcium intake
- Late onset of menopause
- Non-use of estrogen since menopause
- Presence of other medical problems that predispose to bone loss
Bone density testing may also be helpful in women thought to be at risk. Armed with this information, a woman and her physician can develop an appropriately aggressive prevention plan. What women can do
No matter what your risk, it is in your best interests to reduce any risk factors that are within your control. If you smoke, quit. If you don't exercise regularly, start walking. If you avoid dairy products, increase your calcium intake from other food sources or through supplements. Women should get a minimum of 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day, or 1,500 if they are postmenopausal. A daily multivitamin can supplement your vitamin D, which helps you retain calcium. For women at low risk, this strategy is probably enough. But women with higher degrees of risk should be more aggressive in their prevention efforts. Estrogen replacement, non-estrogen alternatives and other preventions should be discussed with your physician. What Providence is doing
Part of the Providence Health & Services, the Oregon Osteoporosis Center is recognized as a national center for osteoporosis research and education. Research at the center contributed to the FDA's approval of new drugs called Fosamax and Actonel for the treatment of osteoporosis. These bone-specific drugs have been proven to increase bone density and strength, reducing fractures of the hip and spine by 50 percent over three years. Michael McClung, M.D., an endocrinologist, is director of the Oregon Osteoporosis Center and editor in chief of the National Osteoporosis Foundation Clinical Newsletter.
| RESOURCES | Oregon Osteoporosis Center: 503-215-6151 - Osteoporosis Prevention Program: A unique program in Portland, this includes bone density testing followed by a one-on-one consultation with a nurse educator who explains the results and provides further advice, plus information to take to your primary care practitioner for follow-up. $120.
- Osteoporosis Support Group: Meets the third Wednesday of every month at 2:00 in the social room at Providence Portland Medical Center's for education and support. Anyone is welcome to attend.Other Providence Health & Services Resources:
- Osteoporosis Group Exercise Class: Developed in conjunction with the Oregon Osteoporosis Center and Providence physical therapists, this class helps people with osteoporosis minimize symptoms and build muscle strength to reduce the risk of falls and fractures. The class is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Providence Portland Medical Center. Call 503-215-6059 for more information.
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| Osteoporosis information from Providence Other Resources |
Last updated: July 2002
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