Medical Matters

Osteoporosis
By Bill Acker, MD.
Walking Connection Member Since 8/94

I thought this column might be a good method to educate Walking Connection members about a very important medical concern related to the aging process we all experience. The topic is osteoporosis. An estimated 10 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis and another 18 million have low bone mass, putting them at risk for the pain and debilitation of fractures.

Until recently, there was little medical research in this area as there were few, if any methods of treatment for this potentially devastating disease process. Recently, that has changed, and now we know that lifestyle changes, diet, and medication can affect the inevitable course of bone loss seen as we reach midlife and beyond.

Let me start by introducing myself. Many of you know me from many years of Walking Connection tours and walks, but may not know my background. I’m a Diagnostic Radiologist and Chairman of Radiology at CIGNA Healthcare of Arizona. I attended medical school at the University of Arizona and graduated in 1977. ( Jan, my wife graduated from nursing school at U of A the same year).

I then entered the USAF and did my internship and Radiology residency while on active duty. Following my specialty training, I served another 4 years of Air Force active duty as a Radiologist at Davis- Monthan AFB in Tucson. In 1985, I left active duty for private practice, but stayed in the AF Reserves. I worked my way up from a staff Radiologist at CIGNA to Chairman of a busy imaging department covering 16 sites throughout Phoenix.

My interest in osteoporosis stems from my involvement with one of the diagnostic tests called DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorbtiometry) which is used to evaluate bone density and assessment of bone loss. This is an x-ray based technique and is now fairly commonly available. I recently became certified in Clinical Densitiomery and I’m a member of the International Society of Clinical Densitiometry.

The more I learn about this topic, the more I realize how much I (and everyone else) don’t know about the complexities of bone metabolism. I’d like to break this down into a series of short articles discussing the disease itself, diagnosis and therapy options. The areas I’d like to cover are:

There are many resources available in print and on the Internet. Many of the drug companies are advertising their products heavily and have literature available, although somewhat slanted to their product. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (www.nof.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information to physicians and the public about osteoporosis. This is a good place to start to learn about this common but silent disease which can lead to disability and significant health problems. I’ll list more references throughout the series of articles. I’d be glad to answer any questions on this topic as well if you want to send them to me c/o the Walking Connection.

So, buckle up and get ready for a whirlwind education in “Bones and how to protect them.”

RELEASE: Exercise is only one part of being healthy, seeing your doctor is another! If, at any time during a training session (whether it is a group session, individual personal training session, or self-training session), you suffer any mishap or injury, we urge you to stop your activity immediately and seek professional medical attention. The information contained on this site is intended to give information about personal health and fitness, not to act as a medical manual or guide to self-treatment. Keep in mind that exercise, health and nutritional needs vary from person to person, depending on age, gender, family medical history, current health status, and other individual factors . Before engaging in these, or any other exercise or recreational activities, we urge all individuals to consult a physician. He or she is most-qualified to advise each about your specific health status and needs. By participating in any Walking Connection walk, hike or event, now or in the future, I have and do hereby fully assume all risk of injury, property damage, emotional trauma and death, and it is my intention for me and my heirs, executors and administrators to waive any and all right and claims for damages I may have against Gene and Jo Ann Taylor, Taylor Marketing and Management, LLC., The Walking Connection and any individual associated with these walks, hikes or events, their representatives, successors, and assignees, and will hold them harmless for any and all injuries, mishaps and loss of property suffered in connection with my participation in these walks, hikes, events.