Central Peninsula Hospital | Pulse | Winter 2019

PULSE Winter 2019 7 Consider meds If a bone mineral density test finds you have weak bones, your doctor might suggest bone- strengthening medicines, like bisphosphonates. They can help put the brakes on the breakdown of bone. Bisphosphonates and other bone-boosting medicines also can reduce the risk of some types of fractures. Strike the perfect balance Maintaining a healthy weight is good for you in so many ways. It’s good for your heart, your lungs, for avoid- ing chronic diseases—and for your bones. If you’re underweight, you’re at risk for osteoporosis. If you’re overweight, you’re at risk for joint-damaging osteoarthritis. Your doctor can help you determine a healthy target weight. Enjoy exercise Get those bones moving! Much like your muscles, your bones get, and stay, stronger with exercise. Weight-bearing and strengthening exercises are best—such as walking, climbing stairs and lifting weights. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise daily. Count on calcium Good nutrition helps build strong bones. Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Good sources of calcium are low-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese, as well as green leafy vegetables. For vitamin D, look to egg yolks, saltwater fish and foods fortified with vitamin D. Ask your doctor if you should take a vitamin D supplement. How can I protect my bones? PULSE is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of Central Peninsula Hospital, 250 Hospital Place, Soldotna, AK, 99669, phone 907-714-4404 , website cpgh.org . CEO: Rick Davis Marketing Manager: Camille Sorensen Information in PULSE comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please call 907-714-4600 or email marketing@cpgh.org . 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Central Peninsula Hospital and its clinics (collectively “CPH”) comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Translation and other services are available to you, free of charge by calling this number: 907-714-4404 . Looking for a physician? Visit us at www.cpgh.org and search our provider directory.