We’ve heard the phrase, “sitting is the new smoking,” because prolonged sitting is associated with a host of negative health outcomes, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even increased mortality risk (1,2). But what about prolonged standing? According to a new study from Australia, prolonged standing presents health risks, too.
Assess Your Strength and Balance
In a recent Wellness Wednesday on Bone Health and Muscle Loss, Dr. Nola Peacock shared three simple tests to assess strength and balance as we age, often used in the clinician’s office. I thought you might want to try these tests in the comfort of your home, so I teamed up with Erin Paruszewski, founder of Alkalign, to demonstrate them.
The Role of Posture in Healthy Aging
Protect Your Immune Health This Winter
What Color Is Your Blue?
I recently had cataract surgery and was surprised at how vivid — and different — colors were post-surgery. The color white was so much whiter. Case in point: my dog Bella was so much brighter! My bathroom towels were more tan than brown.
Then I came across a fun website, IsMyBlue, a quick test of how we perceive the difference between green and blue, and I decided to share it with you.
If We Think We Can
Raw vs. Cooked : Which is Healthier?
How Fast Do We Get Out of Shape?
In Praise of Small Moments
With the advent of the Paris Olympics, there has been a lot of emphasis on the extraordinary. From an early age, we are taught to believe that greatness exists beyond the ordinary, and that true fulfillment requires being exceptional. While I admire the unparalleled talent and determination of these young athletes, there is also something to be said for being ordinary and enjoying the small, simple pleasures of everyday life.
Posture & Osteoporosis: A Bi-Directional Link
Out of Africa!
I recently returned from a 17-day safari in Kenya and Tanzania. To say this was a life-changing experience is an understatement. I had the good fortune to attend with leaders from the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF).
Into Africa!
Why All the Hype About Magnesium?
Magnesium has been in the news a lot lately. According to the American Pharmacists ' Association, magnesium is now the second-best-selling supplement in the U.S., right behind Vitamin D. In the last four years, dozens of research papers have been written about the effect of magnesium on vascular function, attention deficit disorder, cognitive impairment, Vitamin D deficiency, liver function, and more.
The Latest Brain Health Research
Good Reads for Summer 2024
Can You Simplify the Osteoporosis Medications?
Karen recently asked for clarification about the myriad of medications for osteoporosis. While I’m not an MD and can’t give medical advice, I offered this summary of the leading medications.
What the Medications Do
Osteoporosis medications are used to address bone remodeling. This process begins in our mid-30s when osteoclasts (bone-breaking cells) start to exceed osteoblasts (bone-building cells). Four of the most common medications are:
Forteo - stimulates bone formation.
Prolina - reduces bone resorption by targeting osteoclasts.
Fosamax - inhibits bone resorption, leading to increased bone mineral density.
Evista - acts like estrogen to maintain bone density.
How These Medications Work
While all three medications are used to treat osteoporosis, they differ in the way they work. Given the patient's history and risk factors, some medications may be more appropriate than others. Also, these medications only appear to work for a certain period or may be associated with other risks if taken too long, so a physician may switch a patient to a different medication after a few years. Here is a quick summary:
Forteo (teriparatide) is a parathyroid hormone used as an anabolic (bone-building) agent. It stimulates new bone growth by increasing osteoblast activity and is typically prescribed for individuals at high risk of fractures, often for postmenopausal women and men with osteoporosis. It is administered via a daily injection.
Prolia (denosumab) is a monoclonal antibody that works by inhibiting a protein called RANKL, which is involved in osteoclasts' formation, function, and survival (cells that break down bone). By reducing osteoclast activity, Prolia helps decrease bone resorption and increase bone density. It is administered via injection every six months and is used in both men and women with osteoporosis at high risk of fractures.
Fosamax (alendronate) is a bisphosphonate that inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, increasing bone mineral density. It is commonly prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men and for the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (long-term use of steroids for conditions like asthma). Fosamax is taken daily as a pill but can’t be tolerated by people with GERD (e.g., acid reflux), which is common in older adults.
Evista (raloxifene): This selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) mimics estrogen's beneficial effects on bone density without some of the risks associated with estrogen therapy. It helps reduce bone resorption and is primarily used for preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is often prescribed for postmenopausal women who are at increased risk of breast cancer. It is taken orally every day.
Think Beyond the Medication
While there are many considerations for prescribing medication for osteoporosis, lifestyle factors like nutrition and exercise play a key role in reducing the risk and slowing the progression of this disease. I am working with a team of physicians through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine to provide more educational resources to MDs and patients about non-medical treatments for osteoporosis.