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Page 4 December 7, 2017
Busting Myths and
Misconceptions about Osteoporosis
(BPT) - One in two women over the age of
50 will suffer a fracture caused by osteoporosis
in her remaining lifetime. Despite its prevalence,
there are many myths and misconceptions about
this “silent” disease. These myths may be a
reason why osteoporosis is underdiagnosed and
undertreated.
A fragility fracture (breaking a bone by falling
from a standing height or lower) can impact
day-to-day life, but it can also be an indicator
for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
When you have osteoporosis, even daily tasks
such as taking your dog for a walk can put
you at risk for a fragility fracture of the wrist,
leg or even hip. But, a startling 82 percent of
postmenopausal women did not identify such
fractures as a possible risk factor for osteoporosis,
according to results from a recent online survey
of over 1,000 postmenopausal women conducted
by Harris Poll on behalf of Radius Health, in
partnership with HealthyWomen and the National
Osteoporosis Foundation.
“It is critical that postmenopausal women
do not dismiss seemingly insignificant fragility
fractures as ‘clumsiness,’ but instead see them as
an important indicator for bone fragility, disease
progression and the need for intervention,” says
Dr. Andrea Singer, MD, FACP, CCD, clinical
director and trustee of the National Osteoporosis
Foundation.
This is just one myth about osteoporosis. There
are many others, including:
Myth: Osteoporosis only affects the elderly.
Truth: Osteoporosis often affects women
after menopause. Natural menopause can occur
as early as age 50. The rate of bone loss after
menopause is increased with the accompanying
loss of estrogen. Osteoporosis is a progressive
disease that lowers the density of bones over time,
making them weaker and more likely to fracture.
Myth: Osteoporosis isn’t very common.
Truth: Ten million Americans are estimated
to have osteoporosis, and more than 8 million
of those are women.
Myth: Osteoporosis isn’t that serious.
Truth: More women over the age of 55 were
hospitalized in the United States for osteoporosisrelated
fractures than for stroke, heart attack
or breast cancer. Yet, according to the survey,
postmenopausal women were more likely to be
concerned with a diagnosis of stroke, heart attack
and breast cancer than osteoporosis.
Myth: Health care providers will tell you
when it’s time to test for osteoporosis.
Truth: Research suggests only 2 in 10 older
women in the United States who suffer a
fracture are tested or treated for osteoporosis.
Furthermore, according to the survey, 96 percent
of postmenopausal women who have not yet been
diagnosed with osteoporosis and who suffered
a fragility fracture were not told by their health
care provider it could be linked to osteoporosis.
Myth: Getting enough calcium and vitamin
D is enough to treat osteoporosis.
Truth: About 3 in 10 postmenopausal women
incorrectly believe that drinking milk or
taking calcium supplements alone will prevent
osteoporotic fractures/breaks, the survey found.
While getting enough calcium and vitamin D
is critical to keep bones strong, it may not be
enough when it comes to treating osteoporosis
in postmenopausal women, especially after a
fracture.
Myth: There is no way to build new bone
after menopause.
Truth: About one-quarter of postmenopausal
women incorrectly believe there is no way to
build new bone at their age, the survey found.
The truth is that certain types of treatment for
postmenopausal osteoporosis can help build
new bone, while others help slow bone loss.
Separating the truths from the myths is an
important step in pursuing appropriate care
for bone health after menopause. To get more
information about osteoporosis, visit the Fractured
Truth website at www.fracturedtruths.com. To
learn more and find a community of supportive
women, visit the Fractured Truth Facebook page
at www.facebook.com/FracturedTruth. •
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5 Preparation Tips to
Make Any Cruise Smooth Sailing
(BPT) - When it comes to a dream cruise,
everyone has their own idea of the ideal
vacation. The beautiful ocean waves breaking
against the bow beneath you, the warm breeze
blowing against your hair and the lure of new,
unexplored destinations off in the distance.
If you’re lucky, maybe your dream vacation
is already in the works and you’re eagerly
counting down the days until it’s time to board.
And if you’re still in the dreaming phases of
your perfect cruise, you realize that dreaming
of your vacation is almost as much fun as
living it... almost.
No matter where you are in the process, the
perfect cruise is more than just picking your
dream destination; there are plenty of other
things to consider as well. Whether a minor or
monumental task, these tips are your starting
point. Satisfy each of these considerations and
you’ll be on your way to making your cruise
everything you dreamed it could be.
• Always be on the lookout for the best
deal. If you could enjoy the same amazing
cruise at a fraction of the price, why wouldn’t
you? Deals are not hard to come by in the
cruise industry and the key is to book early.
Do your research, look for package offers and
book your trip as soon as you can. The wait
may be difficult but an early booking could
save you hundreds of dollars.
• Pick the right cruise line. Your dream
cruise rests on the right ship, so don’t leave
this choice to chance. MSC Seaside is a sunlover’s
paradise with plenty of outdoor space
to take in the Caribbean sunshine and stunning
views, thanks to its unique outdoor, ocean
level promenade. When you step inside for
a bite to eat, you’ll discover MSC Seaside
is home to celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi’s
first restaurant at sea.
• Pack smart and know what’s included.
Your cruise line is your home away from
home for the duration of your trip, but
that doesn’t mean you have to bring home
with you.
• Plan activities for the whole family.
While the cruise itself is enjoyable, it’s the
activities you take part in while on the ship
that truly make your vacation unforgettable.
Look for a cruise that offers activities for
your entire family. MSC Seaside, for example,
features the most interactive water park at
sea with slide boarding technology, two of
the longest zip lines at sea, a 4D cinema and
two Formula 1 racing simulators.
• Arrive early. Weeks and months of
planning using the tips above could be all
for naught if you don’t heed this last piece
of advice. After all, flights can be delayed
or cars can break down and if such a thing
should happen to you, planning a little extra
time into your schedule ensures that when
the ship does leave, you’re on it, no matter
what happened on the road to get there.
Your dream vacation is waiting for you. If
you’re in the planning stage for your cruise,
applying the tips above can help you finalize
your strategy and finally get on the ship.
To get started on planning your cruise,
visit www.msccruises.com. •
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