The East Oregonian Publishing Group’s health writer, Kathryn Brown, is taking a break from her columns for four weeks. Today’s guest column is from Christy Lang, an Astoria resident who is working toward her doctorate in physical therapy.

As a health-care provider in the area, I am concerned with the health and wellness of the citizens in the North Coast community.

MORE INFO.The National Osteoporosis Foundation Web site is (www.nof.org)I treat most patients after they have an injury. But I have seen an incredible amount of time, energy and resources dedicated to injuries that are largely preventable.

Of particular concern are patients who sustain broken bones. Some fractures occur as a result of “freak accidents.” However, the vast majority that I have seen over the years occur within a patient population that has an underlying, preventable disease known as osteoporosis. Because this disease is largely preventable and treatable, I would like to share some information that will help prevent fractures.

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones resulting in low bone mass and physical deterioration of the bone tissue. This leads to increased risk of breaks in the bones – most commonly in the hip, wrist and spine. Hip fractures are very debilitating because they almost always require hospitalization and major surgery. Spinal fractures are also of concern because they can cause loss of height, severe back pain and deformity.

Osteoporosis is known as a “silent disease” because bone loss can occur without any obvious symptoms. But it is a disease that is preventable and treatable.

To prevent a disease, however, one needs to know more about its progression, incidence and characteristics.

By about age 20, most women have developed 98 percent of their bone mass. By age 30, as a part of the natural aging process, bone tissue begins to break down faster than it can efficiently be built and stored. Thus, building strong bones during childhood and adolescence is extremely important to avoid osteoporosis later in life.

Osteoporosis can strike at any age. Ten million Americans are estimated to have osteoporosis. Of these, 80 percent are women. Some people are more likely to develop it than others. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis include:

Personal history of bone fracture after age 50

Current low bone mass

History of a fracture in a close relative (sibling, parent, child)

Being female

Being thin or having a small frame (under 127 pounds)

Advanced age

Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause, especially early or surgically induced

Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa

Low lifetime calcium intake

Vitamin D deficiency

Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids or anti-convulsants

Low testosterone levels in men

Inactive lifestyle

Cigarette smoking

Excessive use of alcohol

Being Caucasian or Asian

Presence of certain chronic medical

conditions

To help build strong bones, a person should eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that adolescent women (ages 9-18) consume 1,300 mg of calcium daily, adult women (ages 19-59) consume 1,000 mg of calcium daily and that women aged 51 and older consume 1,200 mg of calcium daily. Another important preventative measure is to engage in weight-bearing or resistive exercises that stress the bones, such as walking, jogging or weight lifting. A visit to a health-care professional, such as your doctor, nurse practitioner or physical therapist, will help you identify appropriate and safe exercise techniques.

If you suspect you have osteoporosis, you can have a test that measures your bone density in different parts of the body. These tests help detect osteoporosis and predict your chances of fracturing a bone in the future by telling you the severity of your osteoporosis. Some tests are used to monitor your rate of bone loss and the effects of treatment.

If you already have low bone density or osteoporosis, there are several prescription medications on the market to slow or stop the progress of the disease. Preventing falls becomes a primary concern. Again, a visit to a health care provider can help you identify how much risk you have of falling, including assessment of muscle strength and weakness, balance problems, medication concerns, inner ear function and sensory function in your legs.

There are many ways to try to prevent falls, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom, wearing suitable footwear, removing hazards that could cause you to trip, and exercise. Exercise recommendations include targeting anti-gravity muscles.

Talking to your health-care provider about osteoporosis risks and treatment can help prevent unnecessary fractures that hurt the lives of so many community members.

Christy Lang is a physical therapist who has lived in Clatsop County since 1997. She has worked in Clatsop and Pacific (Wash.) counties. She is a 1995 graduate of the University of North Dakota with a master’s degree in physical therapy. She is enrolled in the transitional doctorate of physical therapy program at the University of North Dakota. Her primary clinical interests include geriatrics, fall prevention, and vestibular and neurological dysfunction.