Take care of your bones

By Beverley Hermanson

We’re all aware of the Big “C” and some of us have even had to cope with the challenges of overcoming the disease – cancer that creeps up silently and wreaks havoc in our lives.

Oncology, these days, is big business and one daren’t dispute the methods of treatment. Once you’re in the pipeline, it’s endless scans and biopsies, chemo, surgery, more tests … the cancer radar has been on high alert for decades and the scourge continues unabated.

However, there’s another silent threat that keeps drifting under the radar. Not nearly as lethal, but this hazard can be equally detrimental to one’s lifestyle – the Big “O” – osteoporosis.

For post-menopausal women in particular, this health hazard often remains undetected until the day they unexpectedly break a bone.

This was exactly the position that I found myself in when out of the blue, I broke my right ankle in three places.

I had medical insurance, but it only covered day-to-day doctor’s visits, a visit to the dentist once a year, some prescription medication, X-rays if the doctor referred me, one or two specialist consultations, and emergency evacuation in the event of an accident.

I thought that’s all I needed. I thought I was adequately covered. But I didn’t have hospital cover that included surgery.

When I went to see the doctor after the weekend, still thinking my injury was just a sprain, he took one look at the X-rays and told me to go straight to hospital. Problem: I assumed the private hospitals would turn me away, or ask me to pay upfront for the surgery. The government hospital refused to admit me, claiming I didn’t qualify as I didn’t live within their catchment area.

I wasn’t convinced that I needed surgery although the three orthopedic surgeons that I saw in the ensuing three months all insisted that an operation was essential.

As the months ticked by, the situation became more and more precarious as my bones were becoming softer and softer with each day that passed. The specialists explained that was because I wasn’t putting weight on my leg, therefore my body wasn’t utilising the supplements that I was taking to strengthen the bones.

Three months after being turned away from the government hospital, the third orthopedic surgeon gave me a letter of referral that allowed me to be admitted as an out-patient. The panel of doctors that discussed my case were ambivalent about operating as they didn’t think that the screws and reinforcements that they needed to use to reconstruct my ankle would hold.

Eventually, the doctors decided to go ahead and operate – as soon as a bed was available. That took another month of waiting.  

After seven months of using crutches to get around, I started walking again. Still can’t run, but at least I’m 80% mobile.

LESSONS LEARNED

1. If you have a high-pressure job that has you locked in front of your laptop for fourteen hours a day – be disciplined about getting up and moving around at regular intervals.
2. Make sure your diet includes lots of calcium-rich foods.
3. Take a vitamin D supplement, especially during phases where you’re stuck indoors with no chance to sit in the sun.
4. Limit caffeine intake – I was drinking numerous cups of coffee with coffee creamer (zero nutritional value) and sucralose sweetener (also limited nutritional value) just to keep myself focused. Caffeine reduces calcium absorption, which results in less bone mineral density. This leads to a higher risk of fractures, as the body is losing calcium at a higher rate than it is replaced.
5. Reduce your intake of salt, as salt causes the body to excrete calcium. So, stay away from salty crackers and those addictive packets of chips.
6. Take collagen daily to help the body build the bones. Type One is recommended, but I was advised to buy either the granules or powder that contained Types One, Two and Three – One for building the bones, Two for the joints and Three for the skin, muscles, cardiovascular system, hair and nails.

EXERCISE IS ESSENTIAL

Getting enough exercise isn’t an optional addition to one’s routines as you get older – it’s essential if you want to stay healthy and independent.

My problem is, I detest doing mind-numbing repetitive exercises. I have a stationary bicycle and a rowing machine at home – never use them.

I need to be doing something that involves developing my skills and devising strategies. I like to be challenged. And I like team sports.

And this is why I need Walking Football in my life. To keep me motivated and moving with purpose.