A conversation with our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Bob Recker, MD.
Imagine a life where you’re free to explore the world without fear of a simple fall causing a fracture. A life where you can hike, dance, play with your grandchildren, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll without worrying about your bones betraying you. Healthy bones are the foundation for an active and fulfilling life and a key element in whole person wellness.
Unfortunately, this picture isn’t a reality for everyone, especially as we age. Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones, can significantly impact our quality of life when it goes unchecked. But the good news is, there are steps we can take to protect our bone health and reduce your risk of fractures.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis, often referred to as “silent disease,” is a condition where bones become thin and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. It occurs when the body’s bone-building process slows down while bone breakdown accelerates. This imbalance can lead to a loss of bone density, making bones more susceptible to fractures.
Recently we were able to sit down with Dr. Bob Recker, MD, our Chief Medical Officer, for an insightful discussion about all things osteoporosis. Below are a few key takeaways from the interview.
Understanding Osteoporosis: A Silent Thief
Interviewer: What is osteoporosis?
Dr. Bob Recker: Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone mineral density, leading to increased bone fragility and a higher risk of fractures. It’s silent. It creeps up on you, stealing strength from your bones. People can have otherwise perfectly normal bones so it can come as a surprise.
Interviewer: Where in the body does osteoporosis typically manifest?
Dr. Bob Recker: Osteoporosis often targets the bones that bear the most weight, like your hips, pelvis, vertebrae, and wrists.
Interviewer: What are fragility fractures?
Dr. Bob Recker: Fragility fractures occur when your bones become so weak that they’re more susceptible to breaking. They’re a sign that something serious is happening with the bone health and can lead to things like breaking a bone from a simple fall, which is a red flag for osteoporosis. People should not break their bones just tripping and falling on the ground level, but unfortunately, by the time that has happened, the cat is already out of the bag. We don’t want to have that happen.
Interviewer: How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
Dr. Bob Recker: We use a bone density scan, like a DEXA scan. It’s a quick and painless test that measures how strong your bones are.
Interviewer: What role do hormones play in osteoporosis?
Dr. Bob Recker: Estrogen and testosterone help build and maintain strong bones. When these hormones decline, especially in women after menopause, the body’s bone remodeling process can become disrupted. This can lead to accelerated bone loss and a weakened skeletal structure.
Interviewer: How does bone density change throughout life?
Dr. Bob Recker: In your younger years, you’re building up bone density. But as you get older, especially after menopause, little by little the support structures within the bones begin to deteriorate. And even though the bone looks normal and functions normally say, with it’s bone marrow production, it’s basically just more fragile. And it’s more susceptible to fractures with minor trauma.
Interviewer: What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
Dr. Bob Recker: Age, gender, family history, diet, and lifestyle all play a role. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis due to hormonal changes, but men can also be affected. If your parents or grandparents had osteoporosis, you’re at a higher risk. And of course, your lifestyle choices, like diet and exercise, can make a big difference. Smoking, heavy alcohol or caffeine consumption, and certain medications like steroids can accelerate bone loss. Additionally, medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and certain seizure disorders can also contribute to osteoporosis.
Interviewer: What are the common symptoms of osteoporosis?
Dr. Bob Recker: The sneaky thing about osteoporosis is that it often doesn’t cause any symptoms until it’s too late. It’s like a silent thief, stealing strength from your bones without you even noticing.
Interviewer: How can osteoporosis be prevented?
Dr. Bob Recker: You need a solid foundation of good nutrition, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits. Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, getting enough sunlight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol and caffeine can all help protect your bones.
Interviewer: What is the role of dairy products and vitamind D in preventing osteoporosis?
Dr. Bob Recker: Dairy products help provide the building blocks of strong bones. They’re packed with calcium and protein, which help your body build and maintain healthy bone tissue. When we talk about dairy, we’re not just talking about milk. Yogurt is a great option too, and it’s often fortified with vitamin D. In fact, skim milk, which has less fat, actually has a higher concentration of protein, calcium, and magnesium. So, it’s a more nutrient-dense choice. While other sources of calcium exist, like leafy greens, they’re not as easily absorbed by your body.
Vitamin D also plays a important role here. It helps regulate your body’s calcium levels and improves calcium absorption. So, it’s essential to get enough vitamin D along with your calcium intake. Aim for about 800 international units (IUs) of vitamin D per day.
Interviewer: How can you get enough vitamin D?
Dr. Bob Recker: A little bit of sunshine can go a long way. Aim for about 15 minutes of sun exposure per day. Just remember to wear sunscreen to protect your skin. And if you’re concerned about your vitamin D levels, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement.
Interviewer: What role does exercise play?
Dr. Bob Recker: Regular physical activity is important for maintaining bone health. Some people hear that and think oh no I have to go to the gym, but really its just about regular movement. Walking, running, even things like getting a standing desk like we have here at Think. Just get up and move. Especially if you tend to be sedentary, finding activities you enjoy that get you moving are important.
Interviewer: Is it possible to regain lost bone density?
Dr. Bob Recker: Regaining lost bone density can be challenging. In certain cases, such as individuals with severe vitamin D deficiency, addressing this deficiency may lead to some improvement in bone density but its dependent on a wide variety of factors.
However, once osteoporosis has progressed significantly, it can be difficult to rebuild. Medications can help improve the structural integrity of your bones, but they may not significantly increase bone density.
That’s why prevention is key. By making healthy lifestyle choices and seeking early treatment, you can minimize bone loss and reduce your risk of fractures before its an issue.
Interviewer: Can osteoporosis be cured?
Dr. Bob Recker: Unfortunately, no. But we can manage it through different treatments, including medications like bisphosphonates that help strengthen bones. Your doctor will create a treatment plan based on your specific needs and risk factors.
Interviewer: I’m concerned this could be an issue for me. What should I do?
Dr. Bob Recker: Start by talking to your doctor. Don’t hesitate to share your concerns, be honest about your lifestyle habits, and ask questions. Your doctor is there to help you, and the more information they have, the better they can direct you towards the best options.
Let’s Recap…
Osteoporosis occurs when the body’s bone-building process slows down while bone breakdown accelerates. This imbalance can lead to a loss of bone density, making bones more susceptible to fractures.
Key Facts about Osteoporosis:
- Prevalence Osteoporosis affects millions of people worldwide, particularly women over the age of 50.
- Risk Factors Age, gender, family history, diet, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
- Symptoms Osteoporosis often has no symptoms until a fracture occurs.
- Diagnosis Bone density scans, such as DEXA scans, are used to diagnose osteoporosis.
- Prevention A healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful substances can help prevent osteoporosis.
- Treatment While there’s no cure for osteoporosis, treatments can help reduce the risk of fractures and improve bone health.
- Importance of Early Detection Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing serious complications associated with osteoporosis.
Why Bone Health Matters
Healthy bones are more than just a matter of physical strength. They play a crucial role in your overall well-being and whole person health. Strong bones support our bodies, allowing us to move freely and maintain balance. They also protect our vital organs.
When bones become weak due to osteoporosis, we may experience pain and discomfort from fractures, a loss of independence as you struggle to perform daily activities, and a reduced quality of life due to the fear of falling. By taking steps to prevent osteoporosis, we can reduce our risk of fractures, maintain our independence, and improve our overall well-being. Remember, our bones are an investment in your future. By taking care of them now, we can enjoy a more active and fulfilling life for years to come.
Taking Action
If you are concerned about your risk of osteoporosis, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can assess your risk factors, recommend screening tests, and discuss prevention and treatment options. Early detection and treatment can help reduce the risk of fractures and improve your quality of life.
CONSIDER THINK YOUR PARTNER IN BONE HEALTH.
Think Whole Person Healthcare is committed to helping you maintain optimal bone health. Our team of healthcare professionals can assess your risk for osteoporosis, recommend preventive measures, and provide appropriate treatment if necessary. To determine what screening is right for you, schedule an appointment with your think provider.
Not a think patient yet? Explore our Services page online and choose your ideal provider by visiting our Meet Your Doctor page.
Our dedicated team is here to support your health. To schedule an appointment, call us at 402.506.9049.