Guess What Guys......

But you can get Osteoporosis too! YES YOU CAN! As well as Breast Cancer and other "girly" diseases. But since this blog at the moment is dedicated to Osteo and its causes and treatments lets delve into the fact that men too can get Osteo.

Though women are four times more likely to acquire it, about 5 million men in this country have osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. A disorder in which bones become weakened, osteoporosis is sometimes called the "silent disease" because it has no symptoms. It often manifests itself in fractures of the hip, wrist, spine, and other bones. Among both sexes, it is responsible for 1.5 million fractures a year. Scientists are still piecing together just how osteoporosis develops, but it is well known that a key factor is deficiency of the mineral calcium.

Osteoporosis is seen less often in men than in women for several reasons. Men generally have greater bone mass than women, and in males, bone loss begins later and advances more slowly. But men do have a hormonal drop-off in testosterone similar to women's reduction of estrogen after menopause. Testosterone levels may naturally become lower as a man ages.

Factors that raise the risk of osteoporosis include:

*Cigarette smoking
*Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption
*Lack of exercise
*A diet low in calcium
*Poor nutrition and poor general health.
*Malabsorption (nutrients are not properly absorbed from the gastrointestinal system) from conditions such as Celiac Sprue
*Chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic hepatitis C, an infection of the liver
*Immobility, such as after a stroke, or from any condition that interferes with walking
Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. When vitamin D is lacking, the body cannot absorb adequate amounts of calcium to prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency can result from lack of intestinal absorption of the vitamin such as occurs in celiac sprue and primary biliary cirrhosis.
*Certain medications can cause osteoporosis. These include heparin (a blood thinner), anti-seizure medications phenytoin (Dilantin) and phenobarbital, and long term use of corticosteroids (such as Prednisone).

Why Do Bones Break Down? And The Results Of Bone Break Down!

Although bones may seem like hard and lifeless structures, bones are living tissues that are like muscle. Bones respond to exercise and a healthy diet by becoming stronger. Bones make up our skeletons and provide structure and support for our bodies. However, bones are more than that; they also act like a storehouse for minerals that our bodies need, such as calcium. During a person's lifetime, the body constantly breaks down old bone (through a process called resorption) and builds up new bone. Any time old bone is broken down faster than new bone is made, net bone loss occurs. Bone loss can lead to low bone density (osteopenia), weakness of the bone, and eventually osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become weak and fragile. Porous bones are more likely to break. Osteoporosis is a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Without prevention or treatment, osteoporosis can progress without pain or symptoms until a bone breaks (fracture). Fractures commonly occur in the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporosis is the underlying cause of more than 1.5 million fractures annually (300,000 hip fractures, approximately 700,000 vertebral fractures, 250,000 wrist fractures, and more than 300,000 fractures in other areas). The estimated national cost (hospitals and nursing homes) for osteoporosis and related injuries is $14 billion each year in the United States.

Bone loss occurs when more bone is resorbed than is formed by the body. Many factors determine how much old bone is resorbed and how much new bone is made. Some factors people have control over (such as diet), but some factors are out of their control (such as age).

Most new bone is added during childhood and teenage years. As a result, bones become larger, heavier, and stronger (denser). Bone formation continues until the peak bone mass (maximum solidness and strength) is reached. Peak bone mass (or bone density) is reached around age 30. After age 30, bone resorption slowly begins to exceed new bone formation. This leads to bone loss. Bone loss in women occurs fastest in the first few years after menopause, but bone loss continues into old age. Factors that can contribute to bone loss include having a diet low in calcium, not exercising, smoking, and taking certain medications such as corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are medications prescribed for a wide range of diseases, including arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, and other diseases. Corticosteroids may cause osteoporosis when used chronically.

The only reliable way to detect bone loss is to have a bone mineral density (BMD) test. People with strong risk factors for osteoporosis should have a BMD test.

Recommendations in the United States are that all women 65 years and older should have a BMD test. Postmenopausal women younger than 65 years who have one or more risk factors (in addition to being postmenopausal and female) should have a BMD test. Tests that are used to measure BMD include dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and quantitative ultrasound (QUS). See Bone Mineral Density Tests for more information.

For more information contact:

National Institutes of Health

Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases-

National Resource Center2

AMS CirBethesda, MD 20892-3676

(800) 624-BONE (624-2663)

OsteoInfo@osteo.org

Author: Bruce A Baethge, MD, Rheumatology Fellowship Director, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Texas at Galveston

What Is Calcium And Where To Get It

Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the human body, has several important functions. More than 99% of total body calcium is stored in the bones and teeth where it functions to support their structure. The remaining 1% is found throughout the body in blood, muscle, and the fluid between cells. Calcium is needed for muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, the secretion of hormones and enzymes, and sending messages through the nervous system . A constant level of calcium is maintained in body fluid and tissues so that these vital body processes function efficiently. Bone undergoes continuous remodeling, with constant resorption (breakdown of bone) and deposition of calcium into newly deposited bone (bone formation). The balance between bone resorption and deposition changes as people age. During childhood there is a higher amount of bone formation and less breakdown. In early and middle adulthood, these processes are relatively equal. In aging adults, particularly among postmenopausal women, bone breakdown exceeds its formation, resulting in bone loss, which increases the risk for osteoporosis (a disorder characterized by porous, weak bones).

Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, are a well-known source of calcium. However, some individuals are allergic to dairy products and even more people, particularly those of non Indo-European descent, are lactose-intolerant, leaving them unable to consume non-fermented dairy products in quantities larger than about half a liter per serving. Others, such as vegans, avoid dairy products for ethical and health reasons. Fortunately, many good sources of calcium exist. These include seaweeds such as kelp, wakame and hijiki; nuts and seeds (like almonds and sesame); blackstrap molasses; beans; oranges; figs; quinoa; amaranth; collard greens; okra; rutabaga; broccoli; dandelion leaves; kale; and fortified products such as orange juice and soy milk. (However, calcium fortified orange juice often contains vitamin D3 derived from lanolin, and is thus unacceptable for vegans.) An overlooked source of calcium is eggshell, which can be ground into a powder and mixed into food or a glass of water. Cultivated vegetables generally have less calcium than wild plants.

My New Journey

I recently was diagnosed with Osteopenia (my BDMS results were -2.0) My ObGyn prescribed Actonel once a month (I will be trying to make that a once a week dose so I will remember to take it), upping my calcium to 1200 mg and D to 800 IU, and walk for 30 minutes at least 3-4 times a week (I will try for the 4-5 times a week or more if possible... I need to train for March races anyway!). I will also have to go back for a rescan in 2 years.

My mother has Osteoperosis and she has broken her leg into and had vertebras compress all up and down her spine... I am worried but I will be doing all I can to correct this bone loss and get a good grade next scan!

Together we will walk this learning path together we will research why we lose bone and how we can stop or possibly reverse bone loss.... We will also learn about calcium what it is what it does and how we can get enough of it to insure healthy bones!

Osteopenia: Mild thinning of the bone mass, but not as severe as osteoporosis. Osteopenia results when the formation of bone (osteoid synthesis) is not enough to offset normal bone loss (bone lysis). Osteopenia is generally considered the first step along the road to osteoporosis, a serious condition in which bone density is extremely low and bones are porous and prone to shatter. Diminished bone calcification, as seen on plain X-ray film, is referred to as osteopenia, whether or not osteoporosis is present. The diagnosis of osteopenia may also be made by a special X-ray machine for bone density testing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes osteopenia, for people 50 and older with lower than average bone density who do not have osteoporosis. WHO defines osteopenia as a bone density between one standard deviation (SD) and 2.5 SD below the bone density of a normal young adult. (Osteoporosis is defined as 2.5 SD or more below that reference point.)

"Osteopenia" has two Greek ancestors: "osteon", bone and "penia", poverty = bone poverty.

from MedicineNet.com

Please Read This Daily And Say A Prayer For Our Soldiers In Harms Way!

My nephew Jonathan is back in Iraq for his second tour and I am again waiting and worrying please for me read this Soldiers Psalm daily and pray for him as well as for all those who serve our country in wartime. Thank you so much!

Psalm 91
Security of the One Who Trusts in the LORD.

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”

3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark

5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day;

6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

7 A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you.

8 You will only look on with your eyes And see the recompense of the wicked.

9 For you have made the LORD, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place.

10 No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent.

11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways.

12 They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.

14 “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.

15 “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.

16 “With a long life I will satisfy him And let him see My salvation.”

<< Psalm 91 >>
New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit www.lockman.org.

5 Must Have Supplements by Prevention

#1 Fish Oil --- for heart health

#2 Vitamin D --- for calcium absorption

#3 Reducol ---- lowers LDL

#4 Culturelle ---- probiotic/intestional health

#5 Pycnogenol ---- reduces stiffness and pain associated with Osteo

Prayers Please

My parents Ween and White ---- my dad's PD has been confirmed by a neurologist so now we start the meds and PTherapy

John Osborne --- an old friend who is have a crisis of faith, and health as well as family problems

Josh ---- my youngest --- his grades

Natalie --- a coworker who has had surgery

Ms Kemper --- another coworker who had a stroke

Zorro Morris --- a friends dad who has Leukemeia

Janie Ruth Williamson ---- my folks friend who has cancer

Jade, Kyle and Scarlett Duncan ---- Scarlett has not been born yet but has problems or suspected problems

our nephew Jonathan, Mr Crowe, and our friend Murray and all other brave soldiers who are being deployed or are deployed ....

our country and her leaders ----

Whatever Your Doing --- Sanctus Real

It’s time for healing, time to move on, it’s time to fix what’s been broken too long

Time to make right what has been wrong; it’s time to find my way to where I belong

Chorus:

There’s a wave that’s crashing over me, and all I can do is surrender

Whatever You’re doing inside of me

It feels like chaos, but somehow there’s peace

And it’s hard to surrender to what I can’t see, but I’m giving in to something heavenly

Time for a milestone, time to begin again, re-evaluate who I really am

Am I doing everything to follow Your will or just climbing aimlessly over these hills?

So show me what it is You want from me I give everything – I surrender

Chorus:

Time to face up, clean this old house

Time to breathe in and let everything out that I’ve wanted to say for so many years

Time to release all my held back tears

Whatever You’re doing inside of me It feels like chaos, but I believe …

You’re up to something bigger than me

Larger than life, something heavenly

Whatever You’re doing inside of me

It feels like chaos, but now I can see

This is something bigger than me

Larger than life

Something heavenly, something heavenly

Time to face up, clean this old house

Time to breathe in and let everything out

Let's Go Walkin In Historic Downtown Vicksburg

January 17, 2009

10K run starts at 8:30 am

5K walk starts at 8:35 am

Start and Finish at Horizon Casino Downtown Vicksburg

all information can be obtained from the following website or by stopping by the YMCA on Clay Street in Vicksburg

http://www.mstrackclub.com/

What a great way to kick off your New Years Resolution to get off the couch and move it move it!

Hope to see you all there ---- I am planning on it!

AMEN!

Ten Secrets Of Skinny People From MSN Health

#1 They don't diet ---- they change their lives not their diet.... They change the way they look at think of and treat food in their lives.

#2 They keep track of their weight --- they journal their calories, miles walked or run, and they also chart their weight on a weekly or daily basis

#3 They exercise regulary ---- 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day

#4 They don't solve their problems with food ---- ie they don't drown their sorrows in a pint of Haagen Daas Ice Cream

#5 They stop eating when they are full ---- always try and leave at least a third or fourth of your food on your plate at each meal.

#6 They don't surround themselves with tempation ---- don't keep chips etc around ---- keep sugar free/weight watchers/baked alternatives or fresh fruit or veggies on your shelves when you need a treat

#7 They allow themselves treats --- mind you mine are sugar free / fat free alternatives --- never the leaded stuff

#8 They eat breakfast --- Special K and soymilk is my favorite breakfast

#9 They move, stand and fidget more ---- yes fidget and fidget alot---- get up and move

#10 They don't skip meals ---- even if you just can squeeze in a apple and yogurt or banana and yogurt do it --- never skip a meal

New Year ---- New You! You CAN Do It!

5 small changes to help you lose weight

Story Highlights:
*Small changes rather than radical ones make diets more feasible
*Examples: drinking water instead of soda, using wheat instead of white flour
*By eating 100 fewer calories every day, avoid the weight gain that comes with aging

By Elizabeth CohenSenior CNN Medical Correspondent

(CNN) -- Tim Kassouf lost 45 pounds, and it all started when he got really mad at his girlfriend.
Kassouf, a 24-year-old marketing manager in Baltimore, Maryland, was moaning to his beloved that he'd gained weight recently. He was worried. The men in his family are prone to heart attacks, and his grandfather died of one at age 29.
But instead of giving Kassouf the sympathy he expected, his girlfriend told him off.
"She said, 'You keep complaining about it but do nothing about it.' I was angry she said that, but she was totally right," Kassouf said.
Inspired, Kassouf made radical changes in his diet.
"That would last about a day," he said.
So he moved on to Plan B: small changes. That worked. Four years after he got mad at his girlfriend, Kassouf weighs 200 pounds, down from 245, mostly by focusing on a few parts of his diet without changing everything.
"What I started to realize is, it didn't have to be all or nothing," he said.
There's actually a name for what Kassouf did: It's called the "small changes approach." James Hill, director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, is the father of the movement, and in this month's American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, he writes about how "small changes are more feasible to achieve and maintain than large changes."
For Kassouf, small changes started with soda.
"I was probably drinking 10 Cokes a day," he said. By switching out those Cokes for water, Kassouf saved 1,400 calories a day.
Then he worked on his snacking. He used to eat a 12-ounce bag of Doritos while watching television.
"The show would be over, and the bag would be empty," he said.
Now, he takes a handful out of the bag and puts it on a plate, and that's all he eats, saving 1,350 calories a day.
Kassouf said he lost about 5 pounds just by making the Coke and Doritos changes and then lost 15 more by cutting down on sweets and switching from white flour to wheat flour. Exercising helped him shed 25 more pounds.
Hill said it's tough to say exactly how many calories you have to cut to lose a pound, but he encourages people to think of it this way: By eating 100 fewer calories each day, you can avoid the weight gain that comes with getting older.
Most people gain a pound or two a year, he said, which can really add up. A svelte 130-pound 18-year-old could turn into an overweight 170-pound 38-year-old.
Here are five ways to cut 100 calories out of your diet each day. Doing any one of them could keep you from gaining that typical pound or two a year. The first three tips are from from Kim Gorman, a registered dietitian with the University of Colorado's Center for Human Nutrition. The fourth one is from Starbucks, and the last one is from Hill.

1. Old: whole milk
New: 1 percent milk
Let's say you have milk with your cereal and then a glass of milk some other time during the day. Drinking 1 percent milk instead of whole milk saves you 100 calories.
2. Old: whole bagel
New: half a bagel
Give the other half of your bagel to a friend, and you'll save 100 calories. Depending on the size of the bagel, you could save even more.
3. Old: chocolate ice cream
New: chocolate yogurt or a Popsicle
Swap out the ice cream for the yogurt, and you're consuming 100 fewer calories. You'll save nearly that much if you have a Popsicle instead of the ice cream.
4. Old: latte made with whole milk
New: latte made with skim milk
Order a nonfat latte instead of a regular latte, and you'll save 90 calories.
5. Old: be a couch potato
New: take a 20-minute walk
Walk a mile every day, and you'll burn about 100 calories. Twenty minutes is an estimate of how long it takes to walk a mile; some people are slower, and others are faster. For all you pedometer wearers out there, a mile is about 2,000 steps.

It took Kassouf several years to lose 45 pounds doing the "small changes approach," but he said it's been worth the wait, because he's more likely to keep the pounds off than if he'd made big changes.
By the way, Kassouf is no longer with that girlfriend who called him a complainer, but he's still grateful to her for making him snap to it and come up with a plan for losing weight.

CNN's Jennifer Pifer-Bixler contributed to this report.