Are Your Bones Healthy?

What is your calcium intake?
-Educate yourself on calcium rich foods
-Recommended Calcium intake varies between 1200 mg and 1500 mg daily.
-Different forms of Calcium need to be taken differently (i.e. Calcium carbonate – without food or Calcium citrate – with food)
-Use the least expensive calcium product available as cost plays no part of efficacy.
-Tums are a useful alternative to calcium carbonate and can be chewed.

What does Vitamin D do for your bones?
-Vitamin D activates Calcium and is needed for proper bone health.
-Recommended Vitamin D intake is 400 IU daily.
-Use the least expensive form of Vitamin D as cost again plays no issue in the effectiveness of the product.

What about combination calcium and Vitamin D products?
-Combination products are an easy way to take both medications and improve consistent use.
-They don’t improve outcome for bone strength over the individual medicines.

What other medications can I take to improve my bone strength?
-Estrogen/Antiestrogen medications such as Evista. This medication can carry a risk of blood clots in the legs (DVT- Deep Vein Thrombosis).
-Anti resorptive medications (Fosamax / Actonel) are also options for people with osteoporosis of the hip and spine. People who have difficulty swallowing need to be careful with this medicine.
-Calcitonin nasal spray is an option for people with osteoporosis of the spine.

What is a DEXA Scan and how do I evaluate my bone strength?
-A DEXA scan is a low energy x-ray machine that measures the density of the bones at the lumbar spine and hip.
-The test takes 10 minutes to perform. You will only be at the clinic approximately 20 min in most cases
-No IV is used in the testing.
-The results are sent to your physician for interpretation and will be explained to you on the phone or at your next visit.

Consult your Medical Associates Physician with more specific questions.