March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

The Bare-Bones Facts About Osteoporosis:

October is most commonly associated with breast-cancer awareness, with so many people wearing pink – pink ribbons, pink t-shirts, even pink football gear! But this month is also an ideal time to talk about osteoporosis because “Bone and Joint Action Week” was observed Oct. 12- 20 and “World Osteoporosis Day” occurred Oct. 20.

Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces the density and quality of bones. Our bones are actually living tissue and are constantly changing through a process of remodeling, with some bone cells dissolving and new ones regenerating.

From birth until young adulthood, bones are growing and strengthening. Our bones are the strongest in our early 20s when we reach peak bone mass.  

As we age, however, bone loss outpaces the growth of new bone. This process usually happens silently and progressively. Bones become porous and brittle. The more this happens, the greater the risk of fractures. There are often no symptoms until the first fracture.

Osteoporosis is a worldwide disease. In general, one in three women and one in five men are at risk of an osteoporotic fracture. Men and women over age 60 are at higher risk of osteoporosis than younger people. The most common places for these fractures are the hip, spine and wrist. Of particular concern are fractures of the spine (vertebrae) and hip.

Vertebral fractures result in serious consequences such as loss of height, intense back pain and deformity. A hip fracture often requires surgery and may result in loss of mobility and independence or even death.  

Although bone loss is inevitable as we get older, lifestyle factors can help keep bones as strong as possible.  Follow these recommendations for better bone health:  

— Eat a nutritious diet with adequate calcium intake.  

— Avoid under-nutrition.

— Maintain an adequate supply of vitamin D.

— Participate in regular weight-bearing activity.

— Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.

— Avoid heavy drinking.

Bone-mineral density is most commonly measured by a technique called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). DXA is a low radiation x-ray that detects small percentages of bone loss. Typically, a DXA scan measures the density in the spine and hip to assess if one has osteoporosis.

Screening typically begins at age 65 for women unless there are additional risk factors that prompt earlier screening. While there are no clear guidelines for men, our UCLA Geriatrics practice typically starts screening men when they reach age 80.  

There are several effective medications approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, your doctor can prescribe the most appropriate medication to use in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes.

Dr. Grace Chen is a board-certified geriatrician with the highly regarded UCLA Geriatrics Program in Santa Monica and Westwood.  For more information, call (310) 319-4371 or visit www.uclahealth.org.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...