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Newly Diagnosed
You’ve just been diagnosed with osteoporosis. You probably have a lot of questions running through your head. We realize that being diagnosed with osteoporosis can be worrisome and overwhelming. But there are many steps you can take now to protect your bones and reduce your chance of breaking a bone in the future. You have come to the right place and NOF is here to help. A good place to start your journey to stronger bones is with these top 10 resources for the newly diagnosed patient:
1. Detecting Osteoporosis
While osteoporosis is not curable, it is treatable. There are many steps you can take to manage the disease and reduce your chance of breaking a bone. It is important to work with your healthcare provider to learn about your risk for osteoporosis and broken bones.
2. Calcium: What You Should Know
Calcium is a mineral that is necessary for life, yet many Americans do not get the amount of calcium they need every day. Calcium is important to build stronger, denser bones early in life and to keep bones strong and healthy later in life.
3. Vitamin D and Bone Health
Vitamin D plays an important role in protecting your bones. Your body requires vitamin D to absorb calcium. Children need vitamin D to build strong bones, and adults need it to keep bones strong and healthy. When people do not get enough vitamin D, they can lose bone. Studies show that people with low levels of vitamin D have lower bone density or bone mass. They are also more likely to break bones when they are older.
4. Medicines That May Cause Bone Loss
Some medicines can be harmful to your bones, even if you need to take these medicines for another condition. Bone loss is usually greater if you take them in high doses or for a long time. One risky type of medicine for bones is steroid medicines. Many people need to take these medicines to relieve inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or asthma and for other reasons.
5. Conditions That May Cause Bone Loss
Many health problems can increase your chance of getting osteoporosis. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any diseases or conditions that can cause bone loss. If you do, it’s important to take action to keep your bones healthy. In some cases, when you treat a health problem that causes bone loss, you can improve your bone health. Here are some examples of the diseases and conditions that may cause bone loss.
6. Osteoporosis Medicines
Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are steps you can take to prevent, slow or stop its progress. In some cases, you may even be able to improve bone density and reverse the disorder to some degree. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D as well as appropriate exercise are essential to the bone health of everyone. This includes people treated with an osteoporosis medicine.
7. Moving Safely
Good posture and proper body mechanics are important throughout your life, especially if you have osteoporosis. “Body mechanics” refers to how you move throughout the day.
8. How to Find a Doctor
If you are at risk for osteoporosis or already have it, it’s important that you have a healthcare provider who knows about the disease. While there is no one type of medical specialty dedicated to osteoporosis, many healthcare providers are qualified to diagnose and treat it.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
If you have low bone density or osteoporosis, you probably have questions. Here are some answers to many of the questions NOF receives about osteoporosis and bone health.
10. Support Groups and Community Groups
People with osteoporosis often want to understand and learn as much as possible about the disease. They look for information and help to improve their health and quality of life. It is not unusual for some people to have worries and concerns about living with osteoporosis. Some people may even feel alone or fearful. Programs of support provide a way to learn more about osteoporosis while providing an opportunity to share information, feelings and goals with others in a similar situation.
Click here if you would like NOF to mail a free packet of information to your home. Make sure to select "Health Information and Education Requests" for the department you wish to contact and write "diagnosis packet" in the question/request field.
