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| Friday, 11 June 2004 |
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Osteoporosis - much ignored silent killer by Afreeha Jawad
Community awareness currently limited only to diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure has missed out on the bitter facts of Osteoporosis, which medical opinion describes as the silent killer carrying the dangers of aforesaid diseases. The recent, press conference at the Trans asia Hotel, organised by the Sri Lanka Osteoporosis Society enabled an insight into what this disease is all about and its impending dangers. The gradual decline in bone mass density - the cause of Osteoporosis - carries with it the threat of brittle bones followed by the loss of body balance. Under these circumstances, a fall - even a minor one - could be disastrous, the hip, spine and wrist being more vulnerable locations. How then do we make our bones strong? A regular lifelong intake of calcium to reach peak bone mass and maintenance of bone health was highlighted. The skeleton contains 99 per cent of the body's calcium content. When the exogenous supply is inadequate, calcium is extracted from the skeleton to maintain serum calcium at a constant level. Bone mass loss coming off old age, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, smoking, various medications and in women, Oestrogen deficiency arising from menopause, lead to Osteoporosis. Calcium consumption is not the only way out into Osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Making use of one's bones guarantees bone strength. A thirty minute walk, thrice a week was strongly recommended in addition to climbing steps, running and dancing. In the West, many doctors now in addition to prescribing drugs also deliver an exercise prescription. Workouts help in building body muscle, facilitates co-ordination and maintain body balance. Anti-Osteoporosis food items include yoghurt, fat-free milk, Katurumurunga and cereals.
However this does not mean we should run down the street stark naked," said Dr. Lalith Wijeratne in lighter vein deflating the 'atmosphere seriousness'. Women's menstrual extinction, followed by lowering Oestrogen levels, is facilitated with hormone replacement which invariably does not rule out cancer. Less Oestrogen, noted for lowering bone density, has made women more prone to Osteoporosis than men. Bone mass peak by 30 years in men and women is seen declining thereafter. The need to receive an adequate supply of calcium therefore is acute with those bone peak formative years. This certainly is no reason why calcium intake should not continue even after three score years. Lactating mothers also run the risk of low bone density and pregnant women could avoid high blood pressure with calcium intake. Physical activity in early life contributes to higher peak bone mass, reducing the risk of Osteoporosis in later years. Resistance exercises, particularly weight lifting, are beneficial. The Bone Mineral Density is determined mainly by the mineral content of the bone. BMD measurements have been shown to co-relate strongly with load-bearing capacity of the hip and spine and also with the risk of fracture. Bone radiographs, however, are not enough to diagnose early Osteoporosis. Radiographs show bone loss when it exceeds 50 per cent or more. BMD measurement using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is available in Sri Lanka and currently accepted as the technique for assessing the BMD and diagnosis of Osteoporosis. Two medical men keen in the prevention of Osteoporosis - Dr. Lalith Wijeratne and Dr. Upul Hewage expressed concern over the lack of knowledge in this disease which surely should be one of national concern. |
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Produced by Lake House |
The threat of Osteoporosis looms over the Sri Lankan population,
particularly the elderly as the country will be burdened with an aging
population after 2025 where one in every four reportedly will be over 60
years.
Vitamin D is believed to be an Osteoporosis repellant and best got from
sunlight. "Having the body full covered is also no good. Sunlight
must come into direct contact with the skin.
