What To Do After The Osteoporosis Diagnosis

There is no cure for osteoporosis. There are many things you can do once you have received the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Some involve lifestyle changes, some involve healthcare and your environment. There are also medications that may be prescribed for you.

Medications:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has approved several medications that can prevent or treat osteoporosis. They are Bisphosphonates, Estrogen or hormone therapy, and also Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs).

Some of the brand names for Bisphosphonates are: Fosamax® and Fosamax® plus D.

Some of the brand names for Estrogen or Hormone Therapy are:

Estrogens: Climara®, Estrace®, Estraderm®, Estratab®, Ogen®, Ortho-Est®, Premarin®, and Vivelle®

Estrogens and Progestins: Activella™, FemHrt®, Premphase®, and Prempro®

Parathyroid Hormone: Fortéo®

You may recognize some of these names from brochures or magazines that you may be given by your healthcare professional to read and one or more of these may be prescribed for you over the course of your osteoporosis.

Once it is known that a person has osteoporosis one thing that will be done is to manage the rate at which bone loss occurs. There are several ways to slow this rate down.

One way to slow the rate of bone loss is by weight-bearing exercise. Those individuals who live a sedentary lifestyle are at high risk for osteoporosis and will most likely have weaker bones than their athletic neighbors. Light weight lifting can stimulate bone production. Light aerobic exercise such as aerobics, jogging and the ever popular walking can help you to strengthen bones.

Getting the proper nutrition can also help to strengthen your bones. Calcium supplements may be recommended as well as making sure you get enough vitamin D (which by the way can be obtained from exposure to sunlight). Things that have caffeine in them like sodas and coffee will decrease calcium absorption and should be avoided.

Making lifestyle changes like making sure you go outside and feel the sunshine on your bare arms and legs (not over exposure). Sunshine is good for vitamin D in your body and this vitamin is essential for calcium absorption.

Make sure that you make regular visits to your healthcare professional so your osteoporosis can be monitored and your bone density rate measured. The medical staff can keep you informed about any new treatment including advances in supplements.

It is important to assure that your environment is safe and that you take proper precautions against falls. Some things to look out for are rugs that slip, wet stairs, uneven ground, loose walkways or stairs. Have your eyes checked to be sure that your vision will aid you to see properly when negotiating stairs. Make sure that you have proper lighting in all areas of your home. Be aware of going up and down stairs or stepping off of curbs. Take your time while out walking so that you do not misstep.

Enlist the help of family members or neighbors to do yard work, reaching and heavy household chores.

Recommended Reading

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