ASK THE HARVARD HEALTH EXPERTS HOWARD LEWINE, M.D., PREMIUM HEALTH NEWS SERVICE
Q: I AM A 62-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WITH OSTEOPOROSIS. I SEE ADVERTISEMENTS FOR SEVERAL DIFFERENT TREATMENTS. HOW DOES ONE CHOOSE? A: First, make getting enough calcium and vitamin D a daily priority. Calcium rich foods include dairy products, sardines, salmon, green leafy vegetables and calcium-fortified foods and beverages. Your doctor may also prescribe a calcium supplement. You should have a blood test to be sure your vitamin D level is adequate. Even if it is, a daily vitamin D supplement of 1,000 IU per day is good insurance. In addition, you want to stay physically active, with daily scheduled exercise times. For example, do moderate-intensity aerobics 5 days per week and resistance training on the other two days. Limit alcohol consumption, and if you smoke, it’s time to quit.
14 SENIOR LIVING IN ALASKA • MARCH 2022
Throughout our lives, our bones undergo constant turnover. Cells called osteoclasts break down and remove old bone, and then cells called osteoblasts lay down new bone. After menopause, the rate of bone breakdown speeds up. To slow bone breakdown, many doctors first turn to bisphosphonates. There are several bisphosphonates to choose from: •
• •
Pills, such as alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), or risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), taken daily, weekly, or monthly Intravenous (IV) infusion of ibandronate (Boniva), given once every three months IV infusion of zoledronic acid (Reclast), given once a year.
Your doctor will also consider where your bone loss is centered. Alendronate, risedronate, and ibandronate have all been shown effective for reducing spine fractures. For women with a history of hip or non-spinal fractures, alendronate or risedronate may be preferred.
