Osteoporosis: Questions to Ask Your Doctor?>

If you or a loved one has received an osteoporosis diagnosis or if you think you may have osteoporosis, you likely have many questions. In order to learn as much about the condition as possible, you'll need to effectively communicate with your physicians. To get the most out of your appointment with your osteoporosis doctor, it might help to bring a list of questions with you to your next appointment.

Preventing Osteoporosis

If you are concerned about osteoporosis and are looking for ways to reduce your risk of developing the condition, ask your doctor the following questions:

• Am I at risk for developing osteoporosis?
• Am I getting enough calcium and vitamin D in my diet?
• Are there certain medications that will increase my risk for osteoporosis?
• Do I need to have a bone mineral density test?
• What are some steps that I can take to prevent osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis Questions

Write down or print the following questions to bring with you to your doctor's appointment. Remember to bring something to write with so you can record any important information your doctor provides:

1. What caused my osteoporosis?
2. Do I need to have a bone scan or additional bone scans?
3. What osteoporosis symptoms can I expect to develop?
4. What symptoms can I except to experience if I fracture my spine or other bones?
5. Do I need osteoporosis medication, or can I treat my condition with a good diet and dietary supplements?
6. Are there any side effects associated with osteoporosis medications?
7. Can certain osteoporosis medications affect my sense of balance and, therefore, increase my risk of falling?
8. Should I schedule an appointment with a dietician or nutritionist in order to learn about proper diet and to get information on dietary supplements? If so, can you refer me to someone?
9. Would I benefit from occupational and/or physical therapy? If so, can you refer me to a program? What steps can I take to prevent further bone loss and to reduce my risk of bone fractures?
10. Are there any exercises that are both safe for me and good for my bones?
11. Are there any local osteoporosis support groups? If so, do you think I would benefit from joining one?
12. Is osteoporosis hereditary? If so, what should I tell my family members about osteoporosis screening, detection and prevention?

Am I Getting Enough Calcium?

The amount of calcium you should be getting will depend on your age. Adolescents need 1,300 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day. Adults under than age of 50 need 1,000 mg of calcium, while adults older than 50 should be getting 1,200 mg every day.

To make sure you get enough calcium, check the nutrition labels on your food. Here are some common food and the amount of calcium they contain:

• 1.5 ounces of cheddar cheese: 300 mg calcium
• 8-ounce glass of milk: 300 mg calcium
• 8-ounce serving of yogurt: between 250 and 400 mg calcium.

If you aren't getting enough calcium, talk to your doctor about calcium supplements or changes you can make to your diet.

Resources

Discovery Health Staff. (2003). Osteoporosis questions and answers. Retrieved April 2, 2010, from the Discovery Health Web site: http://health.discovery.com/centers/womens/osteoporosis/oskeyqa.html.

National Osteoporosis Foundation Staff. (n.d.). Osteoporosis - Frequently asked questions. Retrieved April 2, 2010, from the National Osteoporosis Foundation Web site: http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/faq.htm.