Nov 10th 2010

Elizabeth Stanton Area Manager,
Toronto & Peel Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy, Osteoporosis Canada

Osteoporosis is a condition most commonly associated with women but many men are subject to it as well.  Far from being a disease of old age it is a problem that affects all of us over the age of 20. 

With this introduction, Elizabeth delved into the details of Osteoporosis going well beyond what the 40+ members in attendance knew about the disorder. At approximately 16 to 20 years of age our bones reach their maximum density. If we don’t do specific things, it is the natural tendency of our bones to weaken with age. Bone density will almost always decline unless the right combination of diet and exercise is maintained to keep them strong. What I wasn’t aware of, before this talk, is that the decline can rarely be reversed, even a little, and most frequently can only be slowed down by medications, exercise and diet once it has been diagnosed. 

Typically 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men are substantially affected by Osteoporosis. In reality it affects all of us, but some people, including women after menopause and men on hormone therapy are particularly affected. The result of this condition is lowered bone density and more frequent fractures. The significance of this is far greater than that associated with a routine fracture that might occur earlier in life.

The most common fractures occur in the wrist, spine and hips. With weakened bones, these fractures do not heal as quickly and are far more likely to reoccur. Spinal fractures are very common and result in reduced height and a curved spine. Hip fractures are particularly dangerous with a 1 in 4 mortality rate within a year of the fracture, due to complications that often arise when an individual is confined to bed for extended periods of time. Infections and Pneumonia are common problems.

For most people diet and exercise can help combat Osteoporosis. Approximately 1200 mg of Calcium and 2000 iu of Vitamin D daily are essential to help prevent the disorder. Calcium can be acquired via a diet containing dairy products, canned salmon with bones, cooked broccoli, bok choy and fortified orange juice.

Exercise can consist of walking, dancing, hiking, climbing but needs to contain a weight bearing and resistance element. Women over 50 and men over 65 as well as those on hormone therapy should consult their doctors regarding bone density testing and possible medications to help offset the disorder if it is diagnosed. Additional information available at
  http://www.osteoporosis.ca

AUDIO & SLIDES DOWNLOADS

AUDIO: Ostio Talk

SLIDES: Osteoporosis Canada