OWN THE BONE AT WESTERN RESERVE HOSPITAL

Western Reserve Hospital is proud to implement the American Orthopaedic Association's Own The Bone™ Program to reduce fractures related to osteoporosis. The program is aimed to better identify, evaluate and treat patients that suffer from an osteoporosis or low bone density-related fragility fracture (a broken bone that results from a fall from standing height or less). The program brings focus to the severe health implications of fragility fractures and the multi-faceted approach our hospital can employ to ensure our patients receive the most comprehensive care.

TALK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

Discuss your fracture. Ask your healthcare provider if your break may be related to osteoporosis. Seek advice about bone mineral density (BMD) testing (often referred to as a DXA scan). It's the best way to detect low bone density and osteoporosis. Testing can also help predict the likelihood of breaking a bone in the future.

Communication with Your Physician – Once enrolled, a letter will be sent to notify your physician of your fragility fracture, risk factors, bone density testing (DXA) appointment and recommendations for treatment.

NUTRITION

Getting Enough Calcium – Everyone needs calcium for healthy bones and muscles. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that men and women should add 1,200 milligrams per day after the age of 50. Foods high in calcium include:

• Milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Broccoli
• Almonds
• Sardines

In many cases, calcium supplements can also fulfill your daily calcium needs. Your doctor can tell you more about the type and amount to use, when to take it and if they can be taken with your other medications.

Getting Enough Vitamin D – Vitamin D, the "sunshine vitamin," plays a big role in helping your body absorb calcium from your digestive system into your bloodstream. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends 800-1,000 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day, and up to 4,000 IU is safe and sometimes necessary.

Sunshine, and vitamin D-fortified foods like milk, can help you meet your daily amounts. A supplement regimen can also be a good way to get more vitamin D. In some cases, your doctor may do a simple blood test to measure your vitamin D level. He or she can then help you with a plan to get enough vitamin D.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Exercise - Exercise is one of the best ways to help your body keep its bone density and muscle strength. To build and maintain bone density, do weight-bearing and resistance exercises. Weight-bearing exercises allow you to move against gravity while standing upright. Lower-impact workouts, such as walking, elliptical training and using a stationary bike or stair-step machine can also build bones. Dancing, hiking and tennis are also great options. In resistance exercises, you move your body against gravity. You can lift weights, use weight machines, use exercise bands or rise up and down on your toes to strengthen your bones and muscles.

If you have a broken bone, some of these exercises may not be right for you. Check with your doctor before beginning new exercises.

Preventing Falls – You can lower your chances of falling and causing fractures by playing it safe wherever you are.

Inside your home:

• Use night lights
• Get rid of throw rugs
• Keep floors clear
• Don't walk around in socks or floppy sandals
• Keep electrical cords and telephone lines out of the way
• Use a rubber mat in the shower or tub
• Get up slowly when you are changing positions

Outside your home:

• In winter, wear shoes with traction and coats with good padding
• Watch for slippery floors, especially in bad weather and in public
• Check curbs before stepping up or down
• In bad weather, ask for help or use a cane or walker when needed

LIFESTYLE

Don't Smoke – Tobacco is poisonous to your bones, making you more likely to have low bone mass and osteoporosis. Don't smoke. Though that's easier to say than do, look into programs medications and other smoking cessation methods that offer help.

Below are some helpful sources of information:

Western Reserve Hospital offers a comprehensive smoking cessation program with free classes -westernreservehospital.org/lunghealth or call (330) 929-LUNG (5864)

The Office of the Surgeon General - www.surgeongeneral.gov/tobacco

American Health Association - www.heart.org

American Lung Association - www.lungusa.org

The National Cancer Institute - www.smokefree.gov

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality - www.ahrq.gov/consumer/tobacco/

Limit Alcohol Intake – Drinking heavily can increase bone loss and the risk of a fracture from a fall. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, on average, alcohol intake of three or more drinks per day can be damaging to bone health. For more details, visit: 

National Institutes of Health - www.niaa.nih.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov/alcohol

Alcoholics Anonymous - www.aa.org

Medications – Talk with your doctor about medications that minimize bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures. A number of medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of osteoporosis. Ask your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of these medications. Follow your physician's advice and be sure to schedule follow-up visits.

There is no additional cost to you for participating in the Own the Bone® program, but for patients who elect to undergo a bone density "DEXA Scan," there is a fee that will be determined based on your insurance.

For more information please call (330) 971-7258