Health

American Double Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Vonda Wright, Talks About Osteoporosis

Published

4 years ago

January 4, 2021

Though bones may feel rock solid, they are actually filled with tiny holes in a kind of honeycomb pattern. Bone tissue gets broken down and rebuilt all the time.

“With aging, humans start to lose more bone mass than we build, and those tiny holes within the bones begin to expand, thinning the solid outer layer. In other words, our bones become less dense. Hard bones become spongy, while spongy bones end up becoming spongier. When this loss of bone density becomes intense, that is what is called osteoporosis,” says Dr. Vonda Wright, American double board certified orthopedic surgeon. “More than 10 million people are estimated to have osteoporosis throughout the nation, and this truly is an astonishing number.”

Dr. Wright has cared for athletes and active people of all ages since 1989, specializing in shoulder, hip and knee arthroscopy. She is currently serving as the inaugural Chief of Sports Medicine at the Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute and is President of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Heart Association. Dr. Wright also actively promotes National Women’s Health Week & Annual Women’s Health Conversations. Below, we join her in conversation to learn more about osteoporosis in aging women and what can be done to prevent it.

“Bones can break as a result of accidents. If your bones are dense enough, they can withstand most falls,” says Dr. Wright. “However, bones deteriorated by osteoporosis are more vulnerable to breaks. The hip is a common candidate for osteoporosis, and is most vulnerable to fractures. A broken hip can lead to a downward spiral of disability. Osteoporosis is also common in the wrist, knee and the spine,” says Dr. Wright.

Osteoporosis in Aging Women

Dr. Vonda Wright reveals that the hormone estrogen enables women to make and rebuild bones. “However, as with menopause, the woman’s estrogen levels drop, eventually speeding up the bone loss. This explains why osteoporosis is most common among older females,” she says.

Dr. Wright recommends that women get screened for osteoporosis regularly after the age of 65. Additionally, women under this age with a high risk for fractures should also be screened regularly.

Reducing the Risk of Osteoporosis

Thankfully, osteoporosis is preventable. “There is a lot that can be done to diminish your risk of osteoporosis. Taking calcium, vitamin D, and exercising is a where to begin,” Dr. Wright says. She explains that calcium is the vital mineral that maintains bone strength. This mineral can be easily obtained from the food you eat— including milk and milk products and dark green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach—or from dietary supplements. She further emphasized that women over age 50 should take at least 1200 mg of calcium each day.

Vitamin D is also essential as it allows the body to absorb calcium. “With aging, your body necessitates more vitamin D that is produced by your skin in the sunlight. Alternatively, you can intake vitamin D from dietary supplements or from specific foods, like milk, eggs, fatty fish, and fortified cereals,” says Dr. Wright.

Exercise strengthens bones, too, particularly weight-bearing exercise like walking, jogging, tennis and dancing. The pull in the muscles acts as a reminder for your bone cells to keep the tissue dense.

Smoking, on the other hand, deteriorates bones. The same goes for heavy drinking. Additionally, some drugs may also increase the risk of osteoporosis.

“And even if you have osteoporosis, it is never too late to get serious about your bone health. As your bones are rebuilding all the time, you can always promote more bone growth by providing them with exercise, calcium, and vitamin D,” says Dr. Wright. “In fact, this is precisely why exercise is essential, for it shapes balance and confidence, thus preventing fractures. Some exercises even provide loads necessary to build bone mass, along with improving balance and coordination—empowering you to catch yourself before you topple.”

Health

How Circuhealth Clinic’s Treatment Will Benefit You: A Comprehensive Guide

Published

2 weeks ago

July 15, 2024

Michelle Langton

Maintaining optimal health can be challenging in the modern world. Busy lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and the stress of daily life can all contribute to a decline in our overall well-being. Circuhealth Clinic Clinic, led by the renowned Nadia Nassif, offers a holistic approach to health by improving circulatory health through various advanced, non-invasive treatments.

The Importance of Circulatory Health

Circulatory health is fundamental to overall wellness. The circulatory system is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body and removing waste products. When this system is compromised, it can lead to a host of health issues, including chronic fatigue, poor skin health, and even cardiovascular diseases. Improving circulation can enhance energy levels, support organ function, and promote overall vitality.

Personalized Exercise Programs

One of the cornerstones of Circuhealth Clinic’s approach is the creation of personalized exercise programs. These programs are not one-size-fits-all; instead, they are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Personalized exercise programs can significantly enhance circulatory health by boosting blood flow, which delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues and organs.

For instance, regular physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps regulate weight. A tailored exercise program can reduce the risk of injuries, increase motivation by aligning with specific fitness goals, and provide consistent progress tracking for optimal results. This personalized attention ensures that you are not only getting fitter but also healthier in the most efficient way possible.

Detoxification Treatments

Detoxification treatments are another vital aspect of Circuhealth Clinic’s offerings. These treatments are designed to remove toxins that impair circulation, thus enhancing overall health. Circuhealth Clinic detoxification protocols include Hydration Therapy, Detox Diets, Herbal Supplements, and antioxidant consumption.

Hydration Therapy: Drinking plenty of water and hydrating fluids helps flush out toxins, promoting better circulation.
Detox Diets: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while avoiding processed foods and sugars, supports the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Herbal Supplements: Using herbs like milk thistle, dandelion root, and burdock root, known for their detoxifying properties, supports liver function and toxin elimination.

By incorporating these detoxification treatments, Circuhealth Clinic helps to ensure that your body is free from harmful toxins, thus improving circulatory health and overall well-being.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress can significantly impact circulatory health. High-stress levels increase cortisol production, leading to various health issues such as high blood pressure, weakened immune function, and poor skin health. Circuhealth Clinic employs several stress reduction techniques to help manage and reduce stress, thereby supporting circulatory health.

For example, the 54321 method is a grounding exercise designed to manage acute stress and reduce anxiety. This method involves identifying five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This technique can be particularly useful before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Other stress reduction techniques include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. These practices help calm the mind, reduce cortisol levels, and improve overall mental health, supporting better circulatory health.

Importance of a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is crucial for maintaining good circulatory health. Circuhealth Clinic emphasizes the importance of eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Such a diet can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve energy levels, and support overall health.

For those looking to manage hypertension, Circuhealth Clinic suggests a specific dietary approach:

10 Hours Before Bed: No more caffeine.
3 Hours Before Bed: No more food or alcohol.
2 Hours Before Bed: No more work.
1 Hour Before Bed: No more screen time.
0: Number of times you hit the snooze button.

This structured approach helps regulate blood pressure and promotes better sleep, both essential for good circulatory health.

Conclusion

Circuhealth Clinic Clinic, under the expert guidance of Nadia Nassif, offers a holistic approach to health that focuses on improving circulatory health through personalized exercise programs, detoxification treatments, stress reduction techniques, and advanced diagnostics. By addressing the underlying causes of health issues and providing tailored treatment plans, Circuhealth Clinic helps individuals achieve optimal health and well-being.

Whether you are looking to manage a chronic condition, improve your overall health, or simply enhance your quality of life, Circuhealth Clinic’s comprehensive approach offers a path to better health. Embrace these treatments and lifestyle changes to experience the full benefits of improved circulatory health and overall wellness.