Osteoporosis Info-sheet for seniors Who is at risk?
and one out of eight men over 50 years of
effect on people's lives, causing painful
warning sign until a fracture occurs. What is osteoporosis?
we age, the process becomes less efficient
certain factors seem to play a role in the
bag of groceries or sneezing forcefully -
can lead to fracture. Wrist, spine and hip
Hip fractures related to osteoporosis are a
It's possible to prevent,
disability in up to 50 percent of those who
delay or reduce bone loss through healthy habits.
seniors can no longer live independently,
Osteoporosis: Info-sheet for seniors The risk factors Calcium daily goal: 4 servings Servings equiv.
than others. They are indicated by *.
Cheese (1.75 oz = 1" x 1" x 3" = 50 g)
• ovaries removed, or menopause before
Prevention Include calcium in your diet
age, your body doesn't absorb calcium as
Calcium-rich ideas Get enough vitamin D ✓ Add a few tablespoons of milk powder ✓ Add sesame seeds, sunflower seeds,
seniors don't get enough of this vitamin,
cheese cubes or dried figs to your salads
✓ Spread blackstrap molasses on your toast
Canada where there's little sun intensity
✓ Replace your morning coffee with a café au lait or a hot chocolate milk. Enjoy!
Osteoporosis: Info-sheet for seniors Be active every day
Your bones react to increased activity by
• Ask a physiotherapist or occupational
activities such as dancing, walking, hiking
• Don't be in too much of a hurry to
create more problems than it's worth.
find an activity that's right for you!
• Reduce the risk of accidents in your
Safe Living Guide to help you make
Physical activity is good for your bones! It helps you feel better and get more out of life. Treatment Avoid smoking
require drug treatment to prevent or treat
Hormone therapy Watch out for falls!
porosis, now is the time to put your safety
and personal needs first. Preventing falls
consideration. Bisphosphonates, selective
raloxifene), or nasal calcitonin are other
possible treatments that may be prescribed.
Osteoporosis: Info-sheet for seniors Other therapies Pain management
People experience pain differently just as
If you suffer a fracture, the pain can be
While there are no miracle cures, positive
can take time but the pain intensity will
thinking, relaxation, meditation, acupunc-
usually decrease gradually and eventually
ture, visualization, TENS (transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation) are all waysthat have been used by people living with
As chronic pain can also be the result of
muscle spasms, it's important that you get an accurate diagnosis to ensure appropriate, effective treatment. For more information.
Pain is the body's first signal to urge you
Help, support, referral and information can
1-800-463-6842 or (416) 696-2663 (Toronto).
To obtain your copy of The Safe LivingGuide, call (613) 952-7606, or visit
Ice and heat
relieve pain. To apply ice, try dampening
a towel and freezing it. Soft cold packs
on the Internet: Medication Pain relievers (acetaminophen and Thanks are due to Osteoporosis Canada for its contribution to this Info-Sheet.
have their limits. Your doctor will be able
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines
Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada
Medication should only be part of your pain management strategy.
GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE & HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH CASE CONFERENCE TEACHING MODULE Hirsutism - Answer key Reviewed by Lisa Skinner, MD July 2011 Articles: #1: Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline #2: A Practical Approach to Hirsutism #3: Evaluation and treatment of Women with Hirsutism (just look at Figure 1, page 2569) #4: Evaluation of Women with Hirsutism
Diseases and illnesses 1 Vocabulary: Disease or illness? The two words disease and illness actually describe two slightly different concepts. a) Skim the article below to get a grasp of the difference between the two expressions. b) With the help of online dictionaries, give definitions of the words disease and illness in your own words. c) Collect examples for diseases and illnes
Osteoporosis: Info-sheet for seniors