Osteoporosis - Facts & Figures for Baby Boomers

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:

*Approximately 8 million American women have osteoporosis, resulting in more than 2 million fractures annually.
*One in two women over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime.
* An average of 24% of women who experience a hip fracture will die from complications.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is something we, boomers, should take very seriously. I had the privilege of asking Dr. Karthryn Diemer, Clinical Director of the Bone Health Program at Washington University School of Medicine, a few questions to shed some light on this devastating, insidious disease. Here is the discussion:

1. If bone loss a natural by-product of a woman’s aging process, what specifically can be done to prevent it?

Dr.Diemer-There are several basic approaches that all men and women should do:
a. Adequate calcium intake - either through dietary means or with calcium supplements. The recommended daily allowance is 1200 - 1500mg/day. ( a glass of milk or serving of cheese has about 300mg of calcium)
b. Adequate vit D intake - 1000 - 1200 IU daily.
c. Ask your doctor if you should be screened for osteoporosis by having a bone density test.
d. There are several medications that are approved for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor as to what would be best for you.

2. There are many products on the market now. Compared to Boniva and Fosamax, where does Reclast stand in terms of long term benefits?

Dr.Diemer- Reclast offers strong protection in regard to preventing fractures: In a three year study, Reclast lowered the risk of vertebral fractures by 70% and hip fractures by 41%. Fosamax and Boniva lowered the risk of spine fractures by around 50%. (although these were not head to head trials). Reclast also offers the convenience of once yearly dosing for patients with osteoporosis and every two years for women with osteopenia.

3. You should not take these products if you have low blood calcium. What does that mean?

Dr.Diemer- Your doctor should measure a blood calcium level prior to the infusion. One possible side effect is lowering blood calcium levels; therefore it is recommended that patients with normal calcium levels should be sure to take their calcium the morning of the infusion. If a patient has a low blood calcium, the physician should evaluate for the cause and correct the calcium level prior to the infusion. A common reason for low calcium levels is a low vitamin D.

4. Can Reclast be used as a preventative, if you have osteopenia?

Dr.Diemer- Yes, Reclast has now been approved for treatment of women with osteopenia. It is a 5mg dose every two years.

5. What if, after the injection, you suffer from adverse reactions? What can be done to diminish the symptoms?

Dr.Diemer- Approximately 15% of patients will have a side effect. The most common is fever and muscle aches. Taking acetominophen before the infusion can minimize these symptoms and it can be taken after the infusion if symptoms occur.

6. Research shows that all these products rebuild bone density. If you stop taking them, do things reverse?

Dr.Diemer- If any of the medications approved to treat osteoporosis are stopped, it is expected that there will be a decrease in bone density. Therefore, before any patient decides to stop their medications, they should talk to their doctor.

7. People are living longer now. What does the research indicate about using these products for 30-40 years?

Dr.Diemer- There is no data for long term use and fracture prevention (longer that five years) in any of the approved medications. We know that preventing fractures will improve quality of life and therefore our goal is to use these medications thoughtfully and with proper indications. More data will be forthcoming in regard to longer use.

I want to thank Dr. Diemer for this valuable information. Before you make your decision about how to treat osteoporosis, be armed with as much information as possible. Speak to your doctor, read all the literature on all the treatments and even speak to other women about their experiences. At the very least, get tested as soon as possible so you know the health and density of your bones. Remember, a busy carpenter never forgets to take care of his tools. Don’t be too busy to take care of your health.

Transformation

Are you the type of person who goes to a workshop, gets all revved and exhilarated by what you heard, leave thinking that this is the motivation you needed and then do nothing about it, getting on with your life the way you’ve always had?

Well, now it’s time to change all that. What’s the point of hearing something new, liking what you hear and then discounting it because you can’t or won’t apply it? I’m talking about creating a lifetime transformation, where you stop being at the crossroads and start making a definitive decision to change.

Your transformation is determined by three things:

What you already know

What you already believe

What you are ready to do

Think about this. If you know you need to focus on staying positive and not dwelling on the negative, but you believe that it’s not possible, then you’re not ready to make a change. On the other hand, if you know that positive attracts positive and you honestly believe that, then following through is feasible.

People change all the time. How do they do that? Do they need a crisis to bring awareness to themselves and their behaviors? Some do, but many don’t. What about you? Do you have to get cancer to finally stop smoking? Or do you have to be in debt to finally budget and save for your financial future? Today is the time to take action. This takes courage and a commitment. Mark Twain said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it.” Don’t be afraid to take another road, making small, subtle changes in your ordinary behavior. You’ve heard all this before. But why can’t you do it?

Maybe it’s because you haven’t let go of your inhibitions, fears and self-defeating thoughts that hold you back, telling you that you are unable and not deserving. To trust that there is another way to think about things – a way that would make you feel better and more in control - is very freeing and encouraging. Try it and see how it feels. If it doesn’t make you feel better, then go back to the way things were. But if it works, you are on your way to making a personal transformation that continues to open up further successes and vast opportunities.

Dispelling Some Baby Boomer Myths

According to a report from AARP, there are many assumptions about baby boomers that need revamping. Here is a synopsis of the many misconstrued ideas about our generation.

1. *Boomers will be retiring early. In reality, very few boomers will be retiring at 62 and 72% at retirement age plan to keep on working at least part time.

2. *Boomers are downsizing their homes. About 76% plan to continue living in their current home or even get a larger home.

3. *Most boomers are empty nesters. Because our generation spans 20 years, only one in four have children who are living on their own. 37% of boomers still have children under 18 living with them at home.

4. *All boomers are wealthy. In general, boomers are one of the wealthiest generations, but only 9% are truly affluent. In fact, one quarter of boomers have no savings or secure “nest egg” at all.

5. *Boomers are slowing down with age. The average boomer is very active, enjoying vacations, sporting events, exercising, gardening, etc.

6. *Boomers are the “Me Generation”. While boomers have been described as self-centered, the truth reveals that we are conscientious consumers. 70% want to make the world a better place, by purchasing from companies that are eco-friendly and giving back to their communities.

We are misunderstood because of these stereotypes and false assumptions, but in reality, we have a lot going for us. We have been a great influence in politics, religion, and lifestyles. Because there are 78 million baby boomers, the media is paying attention to our wants and needs. Advertisers use our nostalgic music in commercials and print ads use more mature models in their magazines. We may be growing older, but we are growing better and we will be remembered for our strong principles and fighting purpose.

Adjusting to Life's Challenges

Although there are many things in our lifetime we can get ready for (marriage, pregnancy, empty nest, retirement), no events are really predictable. Many unforeseen challenges and hurdles will be thrust upon us and we have to adjust to each the best that we can.

How can we do that? The first thing that we can do is face the facts. Are you a grandparent raising your grandkids? Are you in –between jobs, and painfully disappointed in your available options? Are you just finding out that your unwed daughter is pregnant? Are you responsible for the care of your elderly parent with cancer?

These are the facts that need to be accepted and dealt with. One thing you can do is research your situation to gain as much information as possible. Knowledge is wealth and the more knowledge you have, the better equipped you’ll be to handle the challenge, using effective and efficient coping skills.

Next, elicit help. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Get the guidance and support you need from friends, relatives or professionals who can encourage and empower you during the most difficult times.

Last, stop resisting change. We all know that change is inevitable and that no matter how much we plan, things are not always going to go our way. Prepare yourself for the unexpected so there will be no surprises.

When faced with approaching changes, you need to remind yourself of how well you’ve done before handling previous crises. You may think you don't have the strength or the endurance to deal with things this time, but you do. Part of the universal lesson in all this, is knowing that you CAN handle most anything and that things will get easier as time goes on. Shakespeare said, “This, too, shall pass” and it will.

Amy Sherman is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice. She is the author of "Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life" and The Joy of Optimism 10-Lesson eCourse. For more information, go to http://www.bummedoutboomer.com and sign up for her free ezine. Amy can be reached at amy@bummedoutboomer.com