Osteoporosis, the Silent Disease Y
Sarah Warburton ou might not feel any symptoms or experience any pain, but osteoporosis could be creeping up on you. We asked Dr. Leslie Cohan of The Woman’s Place to tell us more about the connection between menopause and osteoporosis…and what you can do about it. Until you reach the age of thirty, you’re building more bone than you’re losing. After age thirty-five, your bones will break down faster than you are building them up. Once you’ve lost a certain mass of bone, you have osteoporosis. This is crucial news for those entering menopause. Dr. Cohan says, “Lack of estrogen has been linked to the development of osteoporosis. In fact, early menopause (before age 45), low hormone levels, or infrequent or absent menstrual periods contribute to loss of bone mass. Getting a bone density test allows us to assess your bone health and plan ahead.” Whoops! Too many women wait until they suffer a debilitating fall before seeking a bone density test. Dr. Cohan says, “The biggest risk factors for developing osteoporosis are being a white female over the age of fifty, history of smoking, having a petite frame or thin, light bones, and heredity. While it’s true that postmenopausal women who suffer a fracture, have a risk factor, or are over the age of sixty-five should have a bone mineral density test, there are important reasons not to wait. Knowing the condition of your bones allows us to be Dr. Cohan and her proactive about protecting your health.” daughter Kailey
Take a strong stand against osteoporosis. Dr. Cohan says, “If a bone density test indicates thaet you are at risk of developing osteoporosis, we have some options. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may slow or prevent bone loss during menopause, as well as lessening other menopausal symptoms like night sweats, mood swings, and sleeplessness. If you start menopause early, have a low bone mass or other risk factors, HRT could make the difference between inevitable osteoporosis and strong, healthy bones. For those who do not want hormone therapy, Evista, a SERM, builds bone but actually decreases your risk for breast cancer. I also recommend that all women participate in some form of weight bearing exercise and take a daily dose of 300 IU of vitamin D along with 1200 IU of calcium to help strengthen your bones for a longer, more independent life!” The Woman’s Place (affiliated with the Woman’s Hospital of Texas) 713-795-0349 16552 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 http://drcohan.womanshealthgroup.com/
There Is No Time Like the Present T Sarah Warburton
he lessons one learns earliest are the lessons that can stay with you for life. Carol Appelbaum, founder of the Turning Point Academy says, “Parents often want to know when is the best age for a student to enroll at the Turning Point Academy. At our school, even preteens run their day like they would run their own business…with goal-setting, planning, and mentoring. We prepare students for college, for business, and for a successful life…and middle school is the perfect time to get a jump start on the future!” You don’t want your high school student to say, “I wish I had learned then what I need to know now.” Carol says, “We do find that some of students arrive with educational gaps from their previous schools that we have to fill. Our students master academic subjects and prepare early for college using the NEW College Preparatory curriculum, which is recognized by the College Board and also by the Defense Department as a “Tier 1” school. Our students set their own pace and they do not complete a subject until they have mastered it… and earned an ‘A’.” Can you remember what you learned in
middle school? The earlier your student starts practicing goal setting, time management, and other strategies that lead to achievement…the sooner he or she will internalize these life skills. Carol says, “Our students pursue a rigorous academic curriculum in a positive, supportive environment…and we include public speaking, study techniques, and skills students will use through college, business, and life.” Ready for success? There is no time like the present! At the Turning Point Academy, students as young as fifth and sixth grade are discovering that success really can be a way of life. Get a taste of the Turning Point experience with a Spring Break Camp from March 15-17. Students will explore topics like “Majoring in the Rest of Your Life,” “Habits Make or Break You,” and “Why Strive for Excellence.” Families are also invited to an Open house on April 15th. Visit theturningpointacademy.org to see what NBC Channel 2 reported about this “boutique style” private school.
Open House on April 15th
The Turning Point Academy 281-780-8713 www.theturningpointacademy.org
To advertise, 281-235-0600
UPCLOSE ~ March 2011 ~ 9