Know Your Numbers: Bone Density Testing and Osteoporosis

The Arthritis & Infusion Center and Dr. Hulon E. Crayton encourage you to take an active role in your health care. Preventive health care and screenings are essential to achieving an overall healthy life just as changing the oil in your vehicle is necessary to maintain performance. In this video blog, Dr. Crayton explains why it is important to know your numbers in regards to women and Osteoporosis.

 

Remember, Pain is Not Normal, we can help! Call The Arthritis & Infusion Center today to schedule your preventative health check-up with Dr. Crayton. 

“Don’t Wait Until You Break a Bone”

CRACK! The sound is unmistakable and echoes in your ears. A bone has broken and the pain becomes unbearable. Dr. Hulon Crayton must treat the aftermath of such injuries all too often.

“I wish people would understand that there are precautionary steps that can be taken in order to build bone mass, and tests to determine your risks for osteoporosis.”

  We recommend:

• Building stronger bones with diet and supplements 
•  Weight-bearing exercises
•  Adding new drugs, which have been very effective for the treatment of osteoporosis

At The Arthritis and Infusion Center, we recommend that women (65 or older) and men (age 70 or older) take a Bone Density Test, which is a painless way to measure bone health and determine the risks for osteoporosis and assess the risk of fracture.

         Risk factors include: 

•  Not getting enough dietary calcium 
•  Having a small frame and/or excessive thinness 
• Smoking 
• Certain medications (like long-term use of steroids)
• Ethnicity, lactose intolerance, and excessive alcohol use

Don’t wait to hear the sound that everyone dreads. Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive disease that you can’t see or feel. Unfortunately, many people don’t know they have experienced bone loss until they break a bone. Dr. Crayton always tells his patients that “Pain is not normal. Let us help.”  

Are You Experiencing a Vitamin D Deficiency?

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we are seeing more and more people who have a vitamin D deficiency. Why should you be concerned? Dietary Guidelines for Americans indicate vitamin D is a nutrient of concern in our diets, advising that people should choose foods that provide more vitamin D … or take supplements. Vitamin D is absolutely essential for good bone health, and it may even help with muscle strength. In addition, it is thought to protect against cancer and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have indicated that non-Hispanic blacks seem to suffer from the highest rates of vitamin D deficiency, although further research is needed. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ultraviolet light from the sun helps people form vitamin D in the skin. It is then transported to the liver and converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D, so getting into the sun on a regular basis would help elevate your vitamin D levels. 

A healthy, balanced diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, adequate calories, and enough calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K to minimize bone loss and maintain overall health. While calcium is the most important nutrient for preventing osteoporosis, vitamin D supplements help to preserve bone mass and prevent hip fracture. 

The National Institute of Health also advised that vitamin D is required for the proper absorption of calcium from the intestine. Only a few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D, including fatty fish and fish oils. Food fortified with vitamin D, such as milk and cereals, are a major dietary source for vitamin D. Unfortunately, vitamin D production decreases in older adults and those who are housebound. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for adults is 600 IU and 800 IU for adults over age 70. (Note:  Doses of more than 2,000 IU per day is not advised, although larger doses can be given, initially, to those who are deficient as a way to replenish the body.)

 

Dr. Hulon Crayton always advises his patients that “Any pain is not normal. Let us help.”  Contact our office to schedule an appointment to see if you are suffering from a potential vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to osteoporosis. But remember:  A healthy diet and lifestyle are important to optimizing good bone health.