Primary Care Group | Illinois Primary Care | Harrisburg Primary Medical Care

	Table of Contents:
			Osteoporosis
			Colonoscopy
			Breast Self-Exam
			Coping with Arthritis
			Sleep Apnea


			Ways to Quit Smoking
			Echocardiogram Services
			The Skinny on Weight Gain
			Fitness Fundamentals

Osteoporosis

Description

Osteoporosis is a silent condition in which bones become porous and weak. Progressive and potentially debilitating, it is characterized by low and decreasing bone mass, resulting in bones that are prone to fracture. The condition can progress for many years without any symptoms until a fracture occurs. Approximately 50 percent of women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis and are at risk for an osteoporosis-related fracture, usually of the wrist, ribs, hip or spine. Approximately 24 percent of women with hip fractures die of medical complications related to the fracture within one year, and 25 percent of women with hip fractures never regain their independence. Detection is essential to manage osteoporosis. Take this short quiz to discover if you or someone you know is at risk for this condition.

Prevention

Many factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis. After age 30, bone mass steadily declines and bones become naturally weaker with age. The leading cause of osteoporosis in women is estrogen deficiency; however, preventative measures can inhibit or retard its onset. The following list offers suggestions that can minimize or prevent the risk of osteoporosis:

Bone density testing
Create or maintain a balanced diet with daily cardiovascular exercise
Incorporate weight-bearing exercises daily
Take recommended dosages of calcium and vitamin D
Medication when indicated
Limit the use of alcohol and tobacco

Treatment

Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, a variety of medications have been shown to effectively slow the rate of bone mineral loss. These include estrogen replacement therapy, bisphosphonates (Fosamax®), Calcitonin (Miacalcin®, Calcimar®) and selective estrogen receptor modulators or SERM (Evista?). For more information on osteoporosis and bone densitometry testing visit these sites:

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Primary Care Group
117 E Clark
Harrisburg, IL 62946

phone		618-252-8625
fax		618-252-2540

Sloan Medical Clinic
7211 US Highway 45
Carrier Mills, IL 62917

phone		618-994-2321
fax		618-994-2034