October 10, 2007

12:10: The Health Roundup with Jay and Jamie.

12:20: The annual IEC Partners in Education Breakfast was on the menu in Hamilton this morning, with the theme: Hamilton Rising, Stories of Education and our Local Economy.
Guest: Richard Allen, Executive Director, Industry Education Council of Hamilton.

12:35: Let’s get fit!
Guest: Ernie Schramayr over at All Canadian Fitness.

12:45: DayNight Pharmacy time!
Guest: Irene.

Irene talked about Osteoporosis !

Information is knowledge and knowledge will help you to understand health choices and allows you to share in the decision-making process that directly impacts your health. It is important to know whether you are at risk for osteoporosis or osteopenia and are also at risk for a bone fracture. What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis causes bones to become thin and brittle, making them more likely to break. Bones naturally become thinner as you grow older. Old bone dissolves and is absorbed into the body faster than new bone is made. As this occurs the bones lose minerals ( such as Calcium), heaviness ( mass) and structure making then weaker. The thicker the bone, the longer it takes to develop osteoporosis Years ago the only time osteoporosis was ever diagnosed or detected was after you broke a bone. Today a DEXA bone density test can now measure bone thickness. This test can predict your chances of having a broken bone. Your bone density results are reported in two numbers, T-scores and Z-scores. Your T-score is your bone density compared with what is normally expected in a healthy young adult of your sex. Your Z-score is the number of units ( standard deviations ( SD) ) that your bone density is above or below standard. T-Score, above -1, your bone density is considered normal. Between -1 and -2.5 your score shows you are at risk, and may lead to osteoporosis. Below -2.5 your bone density indicates you have Osteoporosis. Your Z-score is helpful as it may suggest you have a secondary form of Osteoporosis through which something other than aging is causing abnormal bone loss. A Z-score which has less than -1.5 might indicate other factors are to blame. This x-ray will allow your doctor with the information whether you need to be monitored or not . The decision to test is based on your risks , such as family history, age, and being a post-menopausal women or smoking. The outcome will indicate the need for treatment or not. Risk factors in which you can control and change are your lifestyle choices and environmental factors. Make wise health decisions and live a long healthy life.