Baby Boomers Network

Thank goodness for girlfriends. I just came back from a three day cruise with eight professional women to celebrate our friend’s 60th birthday. Put eight women together and I don’t care how bright or mature they are, there’s bound to be some craziness.

We laughed, drank, and gambled and then laughed even more. There was bonding, camaraderie, relating and plenty of silliness. Girlfriends are a special mix. We share a nonverbal connection that binds us closely, so that communication happens without even speaking. Yet, when we talk, we’re all on the same page. Even “out of the norm” foolishness was appreciated when we analyzed the professional assets of the Jack of Clubs to the King of Hearts in a set of X-rated playing cards.

Although the amenities of the ship were not perfect (the air conditioning was not working well and they ran out of towels at the pool), we didn’t need too much to entertain ourselves. We could talk about anything, laugh about nothing and there were no limits. We shared, complained, shopped, ate and left “reality” behind us for a few days.

It was a weekend of fun, frivolity, lightheartedness and good cheer. We all know the health value of laughter and the power of good friendship. This weekend was definitely the cure for whatever ails you. Plus, with all the laughing I did, I must be the healthiest person around! Thanks, girls. Here’s to friendship and to doing it again real soon.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:

*Approximately 8 million American women have osteoporosis, resulting in more than 2 million fractures annually.
*One in two women over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime.
* An average of 24% of women who experience a hip fracture will die from complications.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is something we, boomers, should take very seriously. I had the privilege of asking Dr. Karthryn Diemer, Clinical Director of the Bone Health Program at Washington University School of Medicine, a few questions to shed some light on this devastating, insidious disease. Here is the discussion:

1. If bone loss a natural by-product of a woman’s aging process, what specifically can be done to prevent it?

Dr.Diemer-There are several basic approaches that all men and women should do:
a. Adequate calcium intake - either through dietary means or with calcium supplements. The recommended daily allowance is 1200 - 1500mg/day. ( a glass of milk or serving of cheese has about 300mg of calcium)
b. Adequate vit D intake - 1000 - 1200 IU daily.
c. Ask your doctor if you should be screened for osteoporosis by having a bone density test.
d. There are several medications that are approved for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor as to what would be best for you.

2. There are many products on the market now. Compared to Boniva and Fosamax, where does Reclast stand in terms of long term benefits?

Dr.Diemer- Reclast offers strong protection in regard to preventing fractures: In a three year study, Reclast lowered the risk of vertebral fractures by 70% and hip fractures by 41%. Fosamax and Boniva lowered the risk of spine fractures by around 50%. (although these were not head to head trials). Reclast also offers the convenience of once yearly dosing for patients with osteoporosis and every two years for women with osteopenia.

3. You should not take these products if you have low blood calcium. What does that mean?

Dr.Diemer- Your doctor should measure a blood calcium level prior to the infusion. One possible side effect is lowering blood calcium levels; therefore it is recommended that patients with normal calcium levels should be sure to take their calcium the morning of the infusion. If a patient has a low blood calcium, the physician should evaluate for the cause and correct the calcium level prior to the infusion. A common reason for low calcium levels is a low vitamin D.

4. Can Reclast be used as a preventative, if you have osteopenia?

Dr.Diemer- Yes, Reclast has now been approved for treatment of women with osteopenia. It is a 5mg dose every two years.

5. What if, after the injection, you suffer from adverse reactions? What can be done to diminish the symptoms?

Dr.Diemer- Approximately 15% of patients will have a side effect. The most common is fever and muscle aches. Taking acetominophen before the infusion can minimize these symptoms and it can be taken after the infusion if symptoms occur.

6. Research shows that all these products rebuild bone density. If you stop taking them, do things reverse?

Dr.Diemer- If any of the medications approved to treat osteoporosis are stopped, it is expected that there will be a decrease in bone density. Therefore, before any patient decides to stop their medications, they should talk to their doctor.

7. People are living longer now. What does the research indicate about using these products for 30-40 years?

Dr.Diemer- There is no data for long term use and fracture prevention (longer that five years) in any of the approved medications. We know that preventing fractures will improve quality of life and therefore our goal is to use these medications thoughtfully and with proper indications. More data will be forthcoming in regard to longer use.

I want to thank Dr. Diemer for this valuable information. Before you make your decision about how to treat osteoporosis, be armed with as much information as possible. Speak to your doctor, read all the literature on all the treatments and even speak to other women about their experiences. At the very least, get tested as soon as possible so you know the health and density of your bones. Remember, a busy carpenter never forgets to take care of his tools. Don’t be too busy to take care of your health.

The New York Times recently published an article about research on the aging brain. I have always known that if you keep yourself
mentally alert, you can preserve your cognitive sharpness and mental acuity. It has been suggested that if you learn a new language, do crossword
puzzles, play Sudoku and other challenging games, you will be able to slow down the risk of getting dementia. However, this new research is taking it a step further.

Apparently, not only is it important to use your mind, but it is even more important to do so in a social setting. The University of Southern California has been researching a group of residents in Laguna Woods, who are active and self-sufficient, even though these elders are well into their 90’s.

The key to their brain health is the afternoon bridge game, where they must maintain a strong focus by remembering the bidding, the dealt hands and the strategies of their partner. If their memory should lapse, they are required to step down from the more serious games to the casual ones, also offered. While they are interacting with each other, at the same time they are maintaining brain health and fitness.

These residents are considered some of the most successful seniors in the world. In fact, this research is altering the way scientists are looking at the aging brain. While exercise and diet can’t hurt to keep you healthy and alert, it seems you need to be involved in a social connection with others to maintain your self-awareness. Psychologists believe that in isolation, a healthy mind can go blank and become confused.

Therefore, if we, boomers, want to maintain our cognitive independence, we need to stay close with our friends, have stimulating interactions and keep challenging our brains by trying new activities. George Burns once said, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” That works for me!