Osteoporosis treatment in Central Oregon

Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because you could have it now or be at-risk without even realizing it. People cannot feel their bones getting weaker.

If you have experienced a fracture due to a ground-level fall and are admitted to St. Charles Bend, you will meet with our orthopedic nurse navigator to discuss your bone health. We will meet you in your room to discuss risk factors and educate you on osteoporosis. Our program is designed to coordinate patient care among different specialties and physicians for each patient, to close the gap between physician treatment recommendations and to reduce incidence of future fractures and impact of osteoporosis.

We will provide you with materials and education to help you have a conversation about your bone health with your practitioner, helping to prevent future fractures.

  • 1 in 4 men and 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 are diagnosed with osteoporosis
  • Nearly 25 percent of patients who suffer a hip fracture die within a year, those who do survive often experience a loss of independence and may require long-term nursing home care
  • A person with osteoporosis can break a bone from a minor fall or simply from a sneeze or bumping into furniture
  • If you are a woman or man with small bones, you're more likely to develop osteoporosis. But that doesn't mean larger or heavier people don't also end up with the disease

What can I do to protect my bones?

  • Get enough Calcium and Vitamin D and eat a well-balanced diet.
  • Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise
  • Eat foods that are good for bone health, such as fruits and vegetables and understand what foods can affect your bones
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to two to three drinks per day
  • Talk to your health care provider about your bone health
  • Engage in balance and strengthening exercises recommended for you
  • Be compliant with the plan that your health care provider puts together for you. Don't become a statistic

How can I prevent falls?

Each year about one-third of all persons over the age of 65 will fall.

  • Don't get up too quickly after eating, sitting or lying flat
  • Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist about the side affects of drugs you take. Some can make you feel dizzy
  • Have your vision and hearing checked regularly
  • Slow down. You are more likely to fall if you are in a hurry
  • Place switches within reach of your bed and a night light between the bedroom and bathroom
  • Install grab bars on the bathroom walls beside the tub, shower and toilet
  • Keep floors free of clutter. Remove all loose wires, cords and throw rugs from your home

What to ask your doctor

  • How can I prevent osteoporosis?
  • Are there ways to keep osteoporosis from worsening?
  • Can medications taken for other illnesses cause bone loss?
  • How can I prevent fractures?
  • How frequently can I have a bone density test?
  • How much calcium and vitamin D do I need everyday and how can I get enough of these nutrients?
  • How much exercise do I need to boost bone strength and what exercises do you recommend?

For more information, call 541-706-2989.

Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation