The occasion was the launch of the Life-to-the-Max osteoporosis advocacy program by global research-driven pharmaceutical firm Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines Foundation Inc. (OSPFI) to provide Filipinos with sufficient information on osteoporosis and promote living life to the fullest for Filipino seniors even though they may have osteoporosis.
The speakers, all noted experts in their respective fields of work, included: Dr. Sandra Torres, rheumatologist, Cardinal Santos Medical Center; Dr. Beaver Tamesis, MSD Business Unit director; Dr. Florante Gonzaga, OSPFI president; and Dr. Evelyn Salido, Philippine Rheumatology Association president. Also there to answer guestions from newshens were Lea Baterna, medical director of The Medical City (that’s got a Center for Healthy Aging and a Women’s Healthcare Clinic) and Butch Recto, MSD medical director.
And of course, there was the Life-to-the-Max poster girl, actress Boots Anson-Roa, who’s 61 and makes no bones about it. Indeed, Boots has lived life to the max – loving wife to Pete Roa for 42 years now (Pete used to swear he’d die with his Boots), she’s a multi-awarded, multifaceted professional. This lovely-as-ever grandma gives us a glimpse of a typical day – and the "men" – in her life: "I need William Power just to get up in the morning. And then I go to see John, spending some time there. Then I spend the rest of the day with Arthur Ritis, and he takes me from joint to joint. After that, I lie down and get a loving massage from Ben Gay."
Blessed with an insatiable zest for life, Boots talks proudly about the topaz-colored stones doctors found in her kidney and the gas in her stomach ("Aba, ang mahal-mahal yata ng gas ngayon.") as well as her increasing love handles. ("Now, Pete has more to love.")
She asserts, "A person who lives life to the fullest is the person who cares. The core is to care. C for communication, A for acceptance, R for respect, E for exerting effort, and S for sense of humor (or sex?). Give your life to the max and it will give back a hundredfold."
That, according to Boots, is the only way to prevent osteoporosis of the soul.
At the open forum that followed, the guest speakers helped us bone up on osteoporosis.
What is normal bone?
Normal bone is a constantly changing, living tissue. It is full of calcium and mineral deposits. Throughout life, it undergoes remodeling: breaking down old bone and replacing it with strong new bone. At age 35, you reach peak bone mass, when bones are most dense and strongest.
What happens when you have osteoporosis?
Your bones lose mass and become brittle. This leads to painful fractures and, often, loss of height and rounded shoulders.
Osteoporosis affects 75 million people worldwide – 1/3 of women aged 60 to 70 and 2/3 of women aged 80 or older. Approximately 20-25 percent of women over the age of 50 have one or more vertebral fractures.
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a major threat in Asia, where there is an increasing population of the elderly and poor calcium intake.
What causes osteoporosis?
While the hormonal changes of menopause significantly increase women’s risk of developing osteoporosis, there are other factors that may contribute to its development. Like low levels of vitamin D, which may lead to suboptimal calcium absorption and failure to suppress parathyroid hormone, which leads to increased bone resorption (the process where bone is removed), a decrease in bone mineral density, and a greater risk of fractures. Fact is, recent studies show that more than half of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis have inadequate levels of vitamin D. A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, family history, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and the use of steroid medication also contribute to increasing the risk of fractures. Studies also suggest that Caucasian or Asian ancestry, thin or small build, and early menopause (before age 45) are also risk factors for the disease.
What are the warning signs of osteoporosis?
Loss of height and rounded shoulders or the "dowager’s hump"; back pain. Most of the time, there are no symptoms.
Who should be tested?
• All postmenopausal women under age 65 with at least one risk factor for OP (besides menopause).
• All women aged 65 and older.
• Postmenopausal women with fractures.
• Women considering therapy for OP.
• Women on prolonged hormone replacement therapy.
• Men also develop osteoporosis.
How can osteoporosis be prevented?
The universal recommendations are as follows:
• Increase calcium intake.
• Avoid smoking.
• Avoid heavy alcohol use.
• Avoid caffeine consumption.
• Get into regular exercise/physical activity (weight-bearing).
• Consider taking estrogen.
• Avoid falls.
You mentioned increasing calcium intake. What is the recommended daily intake of calcium?
For calcium, it’s at least 1,200 mg/day and 400-800 IU per day for vitamin D.
What are the best sources of calcium?
A diet high in calcium would include: dairy products, dark green vegetables (broccoli), shellfish (oysters and shrimps), salmon or sardines with bone, oats, nuts (brazil nuts, almonds), and soya products (tofu).
What should we know about calcium supplements?
Check elemental calcium content. Drink six to eight glasses of water to avoid formation of kidney stones. As for common preparations, calcium carbonate requires gastric acidity to be dissolved (take with meals), and carries a higher risk of development of kidney stones. Calcium citrate is digested easily with all gastric conditions. It protects against developing kidney stones.
Constipation is lessened with the combination of magnesium 500 mg., the use of calcium phosphate or citrate forms, drinking more water, and taking fiber supplements.
What about HRT (hormone replacement therapy) – does it help menopausal women?
Don’t be fooled by reports that HRT causes cancer. It is still the best treatment after menopause, when there’s a big drop in bone density and you’re getting hot flashes.
To prevent osteoporosis, exercise is prescribed. What’s the best exercise for people who don’t exercise?
Walking for 30 minutes daily or going up and down the stairs. But make sure you get good walking shoes. Try a combination of weight-bearing and coordination. Ballroom dancing is best.
Is walking in the mall or malling a good exercise?
Yes, but keep on walking; don’t stop to buy.