In October 2009, the Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan (OAM), Spectrum Health, Van Andel Research institute, Michigan State University and the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) teamed up on World Osteoporosis Day (WOD). The goal of WOD is to inform and educate the public and policy makers about the facts and prevention of a disease, which still suffers from poor universal awareness.

During WOD, patients provided detailed testimonials on how living with osteoporosis has influenced their lives. Please take a moment to view these incredibly moving videos by Doty Reinke, Kevin Flannery, Peggy Keenan, Rich DeVos and Tim Wondergem.

The AOA’s Own the Bone Program encourages you to take advantage of bone health resources at www.ownthebone.org/patients/resources. Below are seven steps patients can take for better bone health.

• Talk to your doctor
  If you have broken a bone it is important to learn why your bone broke in the first place. Age and gender are not always an indicator of low bone density/mass. Often a fracture is the first indication that you have osteoporosis or low bone mass. You are now two to four times more likely to get another fracture unless you get treatment. It is important to make sure to tell your doctors about the fracture (even after you have healed). Ask your doctors about bone mineral density (BMD) testing, which is the best way to measure the health of your bones. Ask your doctors about the benefits and risks of medications that help minimize bone loss, build bone, and reduce the risk of future fractures.
• Improve Calcium Intake
  Everyone needs calcium to maintain strong, healthy bones and muscles. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that after age 50 both men and women should increase their calcium intake to 1,200 milligrams daily.

• Increase Vitamin D
  Vitamin D plays a vital role in helping your body absorb calcium through the bloodstream. For men and women, the recommended daily intake of vitamin D is at least 800 to 1,200 international units (IU).

• Exercise
  Learn new exercises or do old ones; either way, performing weight bearing and muscle strengthening exercises (like walking and weight lifting) can help improve bone health. Start strengthening your bones with Own the Bone exercise fitness bands.

• Fall Prevention
  Falls are dangerous at any age, but coupled with poor bone health they become more hazardous. Get connected to fall prevention and safety checklists.

• Stop Smoking
  Tobacco is damaging to your bones, and makes you more susceptible to low bone mass and osteoporosis. There are programs, medications, and other stop-smoking methods that can help.

• Limit Alcohol
  Alcohol consumption can increase bone loss and the risk of getting a fracture. Alcohol intake of three or more drinks per day can negatively affect your bones.

The information contained on the Web site is not intended to be medical advice. In all cases, the AOA recommends that you consult your physician regarding any course of treatment or medication.