Helpful Resources

Fracture Risk Calculator

The FORE Fracture Risk CalculatorTM estimates fracture risk for postmenopausal women and men over age 45. Take the test to determine your risk of bone fracture or help someone you love learn their risk.

americanbonehealth.org/calc...

Bone Health Hotline

A new diagnosis of osteoporosis can be frightening. We will listen to your situation and concerns and help you sort through your options. Having a friend who knows about bone health can give you a better sense of control over your own bone health.

Call 888-266-3015

Downloadable Materials

Talking With Your Doctor About Bone Health at Your Check-up

Prepare for your upcoming doctor visit with these helpful questions!

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Calcium and Vitamin D: Dynamic Duo for Bone Health

Learn more about calcium, vitamin D, lactose intolerance, and how to reach your recommended daily goal without overdoing calcium!

americanbonehealth.org/wp-c...

Do It Right and Prevent Fractures

Staying fit and protecting your bones is part of healthy aging. Exercise and activity can be a natural part of your daily routine. So choose the right exercises for you and enjoy the benefits.

americanbonehealth.org/wp-c...

One page handout version: americanbonehealth.org/wp-c...

Drills for Desk Warriors

If you spend time at your desk hunched over your work, incorporating some regular posture drills can help relieve stress, maintain alignment and stretch the muscles that support your bones.

americanbonehealth.org/wp-c...

How To Read a Nutrition Label

Not sure how much calcium is in your favorite foods? Here’s how to read a nutrition label and sample meals to reach your recommended daily allowance!

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Medications That Cause Bone Loss

Are you on medication that can cause bone loss or contribute to osteoporosis? Take a look at this handout on common medications that can affect your bones.

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Stepping Out Strong

This exercise plan will help improve balance, increase hip strength, and improve your range of motion. Stay strong and healthy and reduce your chance of falls.

americanbonehealth.org/wp-c...

[HearYou]

A post from a member of the UK Bone Health venue stated Strantium D, is being reintroduced in GB. The medical advice accompanying this American Bone Health venue strongly states not to use this medication due to serious side effects, and that it had been removed from GB a few years ago. Perhaps the post from GP and the contrary medical advise need to be reviewed so that questions about these totally opposite positions can be addressed.

I have been invited to be an Ambassador of the American Bone Health venue and I am seriously considering accepting that position. Thought the resolution the totally opposite positions by this venue and the other Bone Health venue which folds into the American Bone Health venue would be a good place for me to bring to your attention.

It is 4:00 a.m. and I have replied to post from GP, inquiring about Strantium D and my unfamiliarity of this Rx, etc. I have also PM her to advise I cannot find anything in the US medical research that mentions use of Strantium D, other than it appears not to be Rx in the US and I will be contacting the local Medical School concerning the medication.

I have been researching since 11:OO p.m., and did not find anything about the reintroduction of the Rx in GB, and nothing supporting it's use in the US. I am ending my 2 year regiment on Forteo in April. Before I agreed to use Forteo, I took 3 weeks researching everything else on the market, the testing and results and side effects. Never saw Strantium D being produced or marketed.

Thank you and I hope that this reply to your year old post someway alerts you that you have a reply.

[Mark_ABH in reply to HearYou]

Hi, does this clear up your question? americanbonehealth.org/medi...

[Mark_ABH]

Hi, are you looking at this document? americanbonehealth.org/wp-c...

It says RDA is 1,000 and "do not exceed" 2,000/day. The document emphasizes that you should get as much as possible from food use supplements only to make up the difference. It also says you should not take more than 500-600 mg of calcium supplement at any one time.

Our nutritional advice is based on scientific evidence and is vetted by our Medical and Scientific Advisory Board. 1,000 mg/day is a standard RDA recognized by the U.S. federal government and mainstream nutrition information sources.

thanks,

[Mark_ABH]

Hi, Dr. Kado (who has led American Bone Health presentations in the past) concludes that section by saying the jury is out and the benefits are questionable. Our advisers, who are among her peers, continue to advise taking calcium supplement *IF* you're not able to get the RDA from diet alone.

The link between calcium and cardiovascular risk is very unclear. There have been studies more recent than this 2016 video suggesting the risks are overstated. Consider also that many patients who are *already* at risk of heart disease and stroke (due to lack of exercise, poor diet, etc.) are also the same people at risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Here's some further reading:

webmd.com/vitamins-and-supp...

health.clevelandclinic.org/...

health.harvard.edu/blog/stu...

Again, our recommendations are based on scientific consensus, particularly in the United States which is our constituency.

[Met00 in reply to Mark_ABH]

There's an interesting difference of opinion between US and UK scientists. Here in the UK, guidelines now say that for osteoporosis, unless you have another underlying condition that requires calcium supplementation, you should only supplement if you can't get 700mg calcium from diet.

[Mark_ABH in reply to Met00]

Thank you for pointing that out. There are some significant differences among countries: for instance, NHS in the UK covers routine DXA scan from age 50; Medicare in the U.S. covers it only from age 65.

Another thing to keep in mind: A lot of older people, particularly in the U.S. with our high levels of income inequality, have very poor diets and might not get much calcium at all.

[Met00 in reply to Mark_ABH]

There's no routine DEXA scanning in the UK, Mark. Most people only get a scan following a fragility fracture, though some are scanned if they're on longterm medication that can be risky for the bones, such as steroids and some cancer treatments. We also have a considerable amount of poverty in the UK, though milk is cheap so most people would be able to afford a diet that includes sufficient calcium if they're happy drinking milk. Calcium supplementation is available on prescription for those who need it, and currently many GPs seem to prescribe it for osteoporosis, despite guidelines telling them to the contrary!

[Mark_ABH in reply to Met00]

My point is that most people in the U.S. do not get a DXA even after a fragility fracture or with other risk factors (steroids etc.) unless they are 65+.

Guidelines in the U.S. do in fact call for 1,000mg/day or 1,200 mg/day including supplementation if needed, so that is the advice we share in our coverage.

Thank you for a nice discussion, everyone.