7 Smart Steps to Better Bone Health
1. Talk with your health care provider about having a bone mineral density testing (BMD), often referred to as a DXA scan.
2. Get adequate calcium. The National Institutes of Health recommends women over 50 and men over 70 get 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day.
3. Get adequate Vitamin D. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends 800 to 1,000 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D per day.
4. Get Ample Exercise. To build and maintain bone density, do weight-bearing and resistance exercises, which make your body move against gravity.
5. Prevent Falls. Reduce your chances of falling and causing a fracture by playing it safe where you are.
6. Don’t smoke. Tobacco is toxic to your bones.
7. Limit alcohol intake.
For more information on bone health visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation at www.nof.org.
Own the Bone® Program
Randolph Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine announced the implementation of the American Orthopaedic Association’s Own the Bone® Program.
The program is aimed to better identify, evaluate and treat patients that suffer from an osteoporosis or low bone density-related fragility fracture (a broken bone that results from a fall from standing height or less). The program brings focus to the severe health implications of fragility fractures and the multi-faceted approach hospitals or clinics can employ to ensure these patients receive the most comprehensive care.