70 October 2015 www.womanthismonth.com showcase Osteoporosis, where bones become weak, is a silent condition as there are no symptoms and it may only come to your attention after you’ve broken a bone. “When you have this condition, a fracture can occur even after a minor injury, such as a fall,” says Dr Nasreen Al Sayed, consultant endocrinologist and lipidologist at Gulf Diabetes Specialist Center. “Spine and hip fractures, in particular, may lead to chronic pain, disability and even death. The main goal of treating osteoporosis is to prevent such fractures in the first place.” A loss of bone mass (measured as bone density) and a change in the bone structure can lead to osteoporosis. Factors that raise the risk of developing osteoporosis and breaking a bone include: older age (starting in the mid 30s but more likely with advancing age); small bone structure; family history of osteoporosis; low levels of sex hormone, mainly oestrogen in women (eg. menopause); cigarette smoking; alcohol abuse and low levels of calcium and vitamin D. Osteoporosis can be detected by a simple test that measures bone mineral density, sometimes called BMD. BMD, the amount of bone you have in a given area, is measured at different parts of your body. Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) is the best current test to measure BMD – it’s quick, painless, similar to an X-ray, but uses much less radiation. Osteoporosis can be treated by taking calcium supplements and with physical activity - exercising most days, especially weight-bearing exercises, such as walking. Most widely used medications for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis are the bisphosphonates. Others include hormone replacement therapy, parathyroid hormone injections and other newly released anti-resorptive agents. Call 17 239-239, 17 239-206 or visit www.gulfdiabetes.com for more information. Osteoporosis is a fairly common condition affecting both men and women, usually as they grow older. If left untreated, it can lead to serious injuries and disabilities. GULF DIABETES SPECIALIST CENTER A SILENT CONDITION Dr Nasreen Al Sayed Passion Dinner Passion Restaurant hosted a dinner with HE Muhammad Saeed Khan, Pakistani Ambassador, and the embassy staff, on the occasion of Pakistan’s 69th Independence Day. Dilshad Khan, wife of the ambassador, seated second from left, with ladies of the Pakistani community HE Muhammad Saeed Khan & Mohammed Mohammed & Hamad Shamana, Armana, Abdul Hadi & Mohammed Saba, Waqar & Ananya Mrs Haroon & Sahrish Uzma & Amina Rabia & Mrs Ahmed Salman & Sheraz Osama & Faisal Saif & Abeer
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