Orthopaedic surgeons share how to
take action to keep bones healthy and slow down bone loss
ROSEMONT, Ill., May 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- This May, OrthoInfo.org, the authoritative and
trusted source on bone and joint health, is joining organizations
across the country to raise awareness about prevention strategies
that can help reduce one's risk of developing osteoporosis. From
articles about bone health basics to osteoporosis prevention and
treatment options, OrthoInfo offers a variety of resources
carefully developed and reviewed by experts from the American
Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) to help patients guide bone
health decisions as a lifelong commitment.
"Osteoporosis can be a debilitating bone disease that occurs
when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both.
As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall, or in
serious cases, even a sneeze," said AAOS spokesperson Mercedes Dina von Deck, MD, FAAOS. "By
familiarizing yourself with the controllable risk factors, such as
diet, exercise and lifestyle choices, patients can better navigate
the complex process of managing osteoporosis."
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is often called a
silent disease that is largely preventable, yet it affects
approximately 54 million Americans1. Despite the
modifiable lifestyle choices people can take to prevent
osteoporosis-related fractures, they continue to rise, resulting in
an osteoporotic fracture every three seconds
worldwide2. Orthopaedic surgeons are the front line of
recognizing patients with osteoporosis and those at high risk of
osteoporosis-related fractures.
- Read more about who should be concerned about osteoporosis and
how it is diagnosed here.
- Better understand osteoporosis prevention and treatment
here.
Take Action
According to Dr. von Deck, bone loss and
fractures don't have to be an inevitable part of aging. Patients
can work with their orthopaedic care team to review test results
and medical history to develop a treatment plan to protect and
improve bone health and prevent falls that may lead to future
fractures. To start now, consider the following:
- Changing your diet
- Taking supplements — especially calcium and vitamin D – to
build or improve your 'bone bank'
- Making lifestyle modifications, such as developing a
sustainable exercise plan, quitting smoking if you smoke, and
limiting alcohol consumption
- Taking medications to lower your risk of fractures by
increasing bone density, preventing bone loss, or building new
bone
- Preventing falls, including addressing fall risks in your home,
and doing exercises to improve your balance.
- Preventing or controlling diabetes
- Preventing or controlling high blood pressure
- Starting estrogen replacement therapy if you are
postmenopausal
For more information or to schedule an interview with an AAOS
spokesperson, email media@aaos.org.
About the AAOS
With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world's largest medical
association of musculoskeletal specialists. The AAOS is the trusted
leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest
quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons
and allied health professionals at every career level to best treat
patients in their daily practices. The AAOS is the source for
information on bone and joint conditions, treatments and related
musculoskeletal health care issues; and it leads the health care
discussion on advancing quality.
Follow the AAOS on Facebook, X,
LinkedIn and Instagram.
1 National Osteoporosis Foundation. What is
Osteoporosis and What Causes It?
https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/. Assessed
April 19, 2024.
2 Johnell O, Kanis JA. An estimate of the worldwide
prevalence and disability associated with osteoporotic
fractures. Osteoporos Int. 2006;17(12):1726–1733.
[PubMed]
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/orthoinfoorg-offers-osteoporosis-awareness-and-prevention-resources-for-patients-302133374.html
SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons