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Shannon Koehle
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What Can My Grandma Do About Her Extremely Low Bone Density?

By July 13, 2009 - 9:51am
 
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I called my Grandma, whom I call Nana, yesterday and found out she had her annual bone density test. She told me she has learned she is in the bottom half of 1% out of a possible 100. She knows this low number is caused mainly by the steroids she has been taking for nearly 30 years for asthma, but I'm wondering what she can do about this now.

She has already had what she called a fusion, which she now has to have done once per year, but with a bone density so low she has to be extremely careful about everything she does.

She wanted to buy a bike and is now afraid she will fall off and break a bunch of bones. She also had to cancel the personal trainer she just started seeing because her doctor said she is not allowed to lift more than 5 pounds.

Additionally, her bone density is lowest in her back and hips.

Is there any way she can increase her bone density? At this point, even the littlest increase would be helpful.

Add a Comment3 Comments

eres

Please clarify that all Calcium supplements are not created equal. Calcium carbonate (the standard found in Tums an other brands) actually contributes to bone brittleness. Calcium citrate, calcium chelate and calcium gluconate are better supplements for improving bone density, as long as the individual takes these forms in conjunction with magnesium which is thought to play an ever great role in bone health than calcium. Vitamin K is also required supplement.

November 11, 2009 - 10:55am

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Pat Elliott
Empowered
Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger (reply to eres)

Hi Eres - Thanks for writing and providing this information on calcium supplements. I'd also like to share the following article on the same topic:
https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/10/21/how-calcium-supplement-working-you?page=0,0
Take good care,
Pat

November 11, 2009 - 5:21pm

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eres
(reply to Pat Elliott)

Very nice article. Thank you so much for the referral.

November 12, 2009 - 3:23pm

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