4 WOMEN Understand your risk for osteoporosis About eight million women in the U.S. have osteoporosis, which means “porous bone.” According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women will experience a broken bone due to osteoporosis in her lifetime. Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses too much bone material, makes too little new bone, or both. The bone’s structure becomes less dense, which means it can break more easily than healthy bones. This often happens unexpectedly because the disease has no outward symptoms. A fall or a simple bump can lead to a broken hip, wrist, or other bone. Why women are at high risk Older women are most vulnerable to developing osteoporosis. Their estrogen levels, which help protect bone density, decline after menopause. That’s why it’s recommended that women 65 and older get bone mineral density tests to see if they already have the disease or are at risk of getting it. Other key factors include a family history of osteoporosis or broken bones after age 50, as well as the following: ● Having early menopause or ovaries removed before menopause ● Not getting enough calcium or vitamin D throughout life ● Not exercising or being on extended bed rest ● Smoking ● Taking medications, including medicines for arthritis and asthma or some cancer drugs, that may decrease bone density ● Having a small body frame How to prevent osteoporosis or stop it from progressing You can do a lot to help protect your bones: ● Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and stay physically active with weight-bearing activities such as weight training, walking, and climbing stairs. ● Stop smoking if you smoke. ● Know the risks of alcohol and how it can reduce bone mass. ● Maintain a healthy weight. Being underweight can increase the risk of fracture and bone loss. ● Work with your doctor to assess your risk and options. Your doctor can offer treatment options for rebuilding bone or slowing bone loss. Also, discuss strategies for avoiding bone-loss side effects from drugs you may take for other conditions. Osteoporosis is common, but it is preventable. By establishing healthy habits, you can reduce your risk of a broken bone. Sources: National Institutes of Health; National Osteoporosis Foundation Our local Presbyterian Customer Service Center (PCSC) is here to help! We’re available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members can reach the PCSC at the following numbers: Presbyterian Senior Care (HMO)/(HMO-POS) and Presbyterian MediCare PPO members, call: (505) 923-6060 or 1-800-797-5343, TTY: 711 Presbyterian Dual Plus (HMO D-SNP) members, call: (505) 923-7675 or 1-855-465-7737, TTY: 711 OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS: PresRN: (505) 923-5677 or 1-888-730-2300, TTY: 711 New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (for a behavioral health crisis): 1-855-662-7474 (1-855-NMCRISIS) DentaQuest: 1-888-278-7310 or visit www.dentaquest.com TruHearing: 1-866-202-0110 Superior Vision: 1-800-879-6901 or visit www.superiorvision.com (for D-SNP members only) Routine transportation (for non-emergency medical transportation): 1-855-774-7737 (for most D-SNP members only; not available in some counties) Over-the-counter benefit — Nations OTC: 1-833-746-7682 or visit www.nationsotc.com (for most D-SNP members only; not available in some counties) Keep these numbers handy
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