In 2005, I had a bone density test. and learned that I was bordering on osteoporosis. I had another one last year; it was worse; I now had osteoporosis. Very frustrating. I'm way too young for this!
So, I made a concerted effort to do what I could to keep my bones from getting any more porous than they already were.
A couple of weeks ago, I had another bone density test. This week, the doctor's office called and left a message for me to call back. I knew what that meant. I'd get to go in to see the doctor and he'd tell me the results were a bit worse. And then I'd have to make the decision about taking one of the new medicines that apparently can help with bone growth.
So yesterday I called back. But I didn't hear what I expected. Instead, the receptionist read me a note from the doctor saying that my results were better than they had been in 2005 and to keep on doing whatever I was doing.
Yahoo!!!!!!!!
So, in case you might be concerned about your own bones, I thought I'd share what I've been doing.
Four things:
1. Eating healthy stuff, including lots of fruit and vegetables, two to three servings of milk, cheese, etc. per day, no candy or soft drinks of any kind (i. e. any drinks with sugar except for the occasional orange or grape juice – note: juice, not fruit drink), and a decent amount of good protein and grains. (Note: my cholesterol didn't require a call-back either!)
2. Eating the number of calories I need rather than eating when I want something to eat. Not starving myself, and not counting calories at the moment, but being intelligent about whether I "need" it or not. Probably around 1800 calories. (A bit lower than necessary, but I still have 15 pounds I'd like to lose.)
3. Taking two Mega Cal Swiss Milk Chocolate Soft Chews each day (chocolate variety with 650 mg calcium and 200 IU Vitamin D in each) plus a one-a-day vitamin every other day.
4. Swimming one day a week (1 hour = 1.25 k); walking on my treadmill for 30 minutes at a mixture of mixed fast/slower pace 4 to 5 days a week; doing simple weights 2-3 times a week; and doing a few stretching and back exercises.
Nothing fancy or terribly difficult, but apparently it's working! And I'm feeling great today.
