Osteoporosis and Bone Health Program
Osteoporosis is the loss of adequate bone mineral density and reduced bone quality. Unfortunately, osteoporosis cannot be felt and does not produce any symptoms. Many individuals do not realize they have lost bone density until they experience a fracture. Osteoporosis can only be detected through appropriate screening. Early detection of bone loss (osteopenia) can mitigate the progression to osteoporosis.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, nearly 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 34 million have low bone density (osteopenia). We spend approximately $14 billion per year on care directly related to osteoporosis and fractures.
- 1 out of 2 women and 1 out of 3.5 men over age 50 will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.
Bone health is an underappreciated factor contributing to overall quality of life. Failure to maintain adequate bone density puts individuals at substantially increased risk for hip and spine fractures which contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. . The one year mortality following an osteoporotic hip fracture approaches 20%; and nearly half of those that experience a hip fracture at age 70 require long term nursing home care.
There is no dispute that peak bone mass occurs in our early 20’s, and the height of that peak is directly correlated with the future risk of developing osteoporosis. Other risk factors for developing osteoporosis:
- Declining hormones: estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, growth hormone
- Mineral & vitamin deficiency: calcium, vitamin D, boron, magnesium, vitamin K
- Inadequate resistance exercise
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Dietary excess phosphoric acid (soda and carbonated beverages)
- Medications: long term steroid use, blood thinners
- Thyroid disease
- Genetic: Asians and Caucasians are at higher risk than Blacks and Hispanics
- Small frame, thin-boned women are at higher risk
At Alternity Healthcare, our screening program uses state-of-the-art technology and the latest scientific information to detect bone loss in its earliest stages allowing the best opportunity to prevent or slow the progression toward osteoporosis:
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan: the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density. Using the GE Lunar Prodigy Bone Densitometry scanner, considered the most accurate in the world, your bone mineral density results are recorded as a T-score; a measure compared by standard deviations to a normal healthy 20-30 year old bone.
Biologic markers of bone turnover: Based upon the latest scientific data available, an assessment of bone quality can be achieved by measuring several markers of bone turnover. There is a continual dynamic interplay between bone production and bone resorption throughout our lives. The balance between them determines the overall health of the bone. Measuring serum osteocalcin and N-terminal propeptide type-1 procallagen (P1NP) provides a gauge of bone formation. Measuring urine N-telopeptide (NTX) tells us about the rate of bone resorption.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS INCLUDE:
- Bone Health Questionnaire
- DEXA scan
- Serum osteocalcin and P1NP
- Serum vitamin D
- Urine NTX
- Lifestyle and nutrition recommendations to modify risk profile
Alternity Healthcare does not provide primary care or ongoing medical management of chronic diseases. The Alternity Healthcare Wellness Programs are designed to assist you in recognizing and implementing lifestyle modifications to reduce your future risk of degenerative diseases that may impact the quality of your life. All results of your evaluation at Alternity Healthcare can, with your permission, be shared with your primary care physician with whom you should discuss any additional testing or treatment.
Alternity Healthcare does not accept insurance or Medicare. Insurance companies typically do not cover the cost of maintaining optimal health. The costs of the program are usually reimbursable through the tax advantaged plans designed to offset healthcare costs, such as Health Savings Accounts (HAS), Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA)