Osteoporosis & Osteopenia

What Is Folate? How Much Should I Take, And Why?

Folate has also been in the news regarding its role in osteoporosis. What is folate? How much should I take, and why? Folate , also called folic acid, is well known for its role in...

Can I Get Enough Through Eating The Right Foods?

I’ve also been told that I must increase my intake of vitamin D. Should I take a separate vitamin D supplement, or can I get enough through eating the right foods? Calcium alone won’t make...

When Should I Take Calcium Supplements?

Is there any particular time of day that makes calcium more effective? Should I take it before meals, with meals, or between meals? Depending on the type of calcium supplements you take, you may want...

Walking Is The Best Exercise For Osteoporosis?

I’m 60 years old and was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. I’ve never exercised regularly, but I’ve heard that walking is the best exercise for someone like me. Is that true? Because you are still able...

What Types Of Exercises Should I Do, And How Often?

If you have been leading a sedentary lifestyle, start an exercise program after you have discussed it with your clinician. Then, start by changing your attitude first. Do small things that will change your activity...

Why Exercise Is Important For The Treatment Of Osteoporosis?

It doesn’t matter how old you are—exercise is important to your overall health. An increase in exercise can decrease your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, breast cancer, and colon cancer. Exercise will...

Does Osteoporosis Ever Affect The Skull Bone?

If my tests show osteoporosis in my hip, what is the likelihood that I have bone loss in other bones? Does osteoporosis ever affect the skull bone? If your hip shows osteoporosis, it is likely...

How Soon Are Test Results Usually Available?

Should I get a copy of the results of the testing? Your clinician may get your bone density test results immediately, but more often than not, test results are available from 1 to 3 weeks...

What is a Z-score?

A Z-score matches your bone mineral density with individuals of the same age, gender, and ethnicity. The following formula is used to determine your Z-score: Patient’s BMD – BMD age-matched normal reference Standard deviation of...

My Test Results Were Reported As A T-score To My Clinician

The results of your BMD tests will most likely be expressed as a T-score, which uses a mathematical formula and assigns your bone density results either a positive or negative number. Normally, density would be...

What Should I Do To Prepare For The BMD Tests?

When my clinician orders the tests, how soon should they be done? If my provider can’t schedule my tests for 6 weeks after they’re ordered, is that OK? Although many tables have a pad, some...