The Bone Health Program at OA

The Bone Health Program at OA

A broken bone, also known as a fracture, can be very painful and traumatic. Even if your fracture occurred in an accident or fall that seemed like an isolated event, it may still indicate a problem with your bone health.

OA’s comprehensive program will review your bone health risk factors and connect you with resources and testing to help improve the health of your bones.

How The Bone Program Works

The goal of our bone health program is to help you prevent future fractures. The first step is to make a telehealth appointment with one of our certified physician assistants by calling our office at 937-425-1562. Our telehealth appointments are a convenient way to get you connected with a bone health evaluation without having to worry about transportation to the office. If you would prefer an in-person visit, please let our office know.

With your telehealth appointment scheduled, you will click the link provided in your email to access your appointment at the scheduled time. During this visit our certified physician assistants will order a DEXA (bone density) scan. Let our office know if you have already completed a DEXA scan within the last 2 years. If you have, the results will be discussed during your appointment.

After your telehealth appointment, a summary of your visit will be sent to your primary care provider. If your scans reveal osteopenia or osteoporosis (Low bone density) it is important you coordinate long-term bone health care with your primary care provider. Continued care for these conditions can help prevent future fractures.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call: 937-425-1562.

  1. Talk with Your Health Care Provider
    Discuss your fracture. Ask Your health care provider if your break may be related to osteoporosis. Seek advice about bone mineral density (BMD) testing (often referred to as a DXA scan). It's the best way to detect low bone density, and its most extreme form, osteoporosis
    Also discuss medications that have been proven effective at minimizing bone loss and/or reducing the risk of future fractures. A number of medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of osteoporosis.
  2. Get Adequate Calcium
    Everyone needs calcium to maintain strong, healthy bones and muscles. The National institutes of health (NIH) recommends that women over 50 and men over 70 get 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day. If you are not getting enough calcium, you may be able to increase your calcium intake by adding calcium rich foods like milk, cheese, broccoli or almonds. If you do not get enough calcium through your diet and multivitamins, calcium supplements will also work.
  3. Get Adequate Vitamin D
    Vitamin D, the "sunshine vitamin," plays a critical role in helping your body absorb calcium from your digestive system into your bloodstream. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends 800-1,000 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day.
    Sunshine and vitamin-D fortified foods, like milk, can help you meet your daily quota. Vitamin D supplements are also available and frequently necessary. You can discuss with your healthcare provider which options are best for you.
  4. Get Ample Exercise
    Exercise is one of the best ways to preserve bone density and maintain muscle strength. To build and maintain bone density, do weight-bearing and resistance exercise, which make your body move against gravity.
    Some examples of weight-bearing exercise include: dancing, walking, and using a stationary bike. Resistance exercise to consider include: limited weight lifting, using exercise bands, or rising up and down on your toes to strengthen your bones and maintain muscle strength.
  5. Prevent Falls

    You can reduce your chances of falling and causing a fracture by playing it safe wherever you are.

    Outside your home:

    • Wear shoes that offer good traction.
    • Be careful about floors that can be slippery.
    • Check out curbs before stepping up or down.
    • In bad weather, use a cane or walker if you feel unstable.

  6. Inside your home:

    • Use nightlights.
    • Keep floors clear of clutter.
    • Don't walk around in socks or floppy slippers.
    • Keep electrical cords out of the way.
    • Use a rubber mat in the shower or tub.

  7. You can also reduce falls by performing activities that boost your balance, flexibility, and strength. Balance is the ability to keep your body stable while moving or standing still. Activities like tai chi, swimming, and stretcing exercises can help.

  8. Don't Smoke
    Tobacco is toxic to your bones, making you more at risk for low bone mass and osteoporosis. Don’t smoke. Though that’s easier to say than do, investigate programs, medications, and other stop-smoking methods that offer help.
  9. Limit Alcohol Intake
    Controlling your alcohol intake can connect you to healthier bones. Drinking heavily can increase bone loss and the risk of sustaining a fragility fracture from a fall. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, on average, alcohol intake of 3 or more drinks per day is detrimental to bone health.


Want more information? Visit or call the National Osteoporosis Foundation: www.nof.org | 1 (800) 231-4222.

The information contained above is not intended to be medical advice. In all cases, The American Orthopaedic Association recommends that you consult your own physician regarding any course of treatment or medication.

©2013 The American Orthopaedic Association

Own the Bone

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

National Osteoporosis Foundation

Calcium, Nutrition, and Bone Health

Exercise

Guidelines for Preventing Falls

Osteoporosis Tests

Already completed a
DEXA scan?

Click here to schedule a telehealth visit (phone call) to review the results.

If you would like to schedule a DEXA scan, please call
937-415-9150.

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