Every May, we observe National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month—a time to educate, assess risk, and empower patients to take charge of their bone health. At FamilyFirst Primary Care, we often see osteoporosis diagnosed after a fracture—when prevention could have made all the difference.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. With proper screening, education, preventive care, and modern treatment options, primary care providers play a vital role in maintaining skeletal strength across the lifespan. And thanks to a growing selection of health insurance plans, including private health insurance, more patients have access to these essential services than ever before.
Let’s explore what osteoporosis is, who’s at risk, how to screen and treat it, and what local resources are available to help.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a progressive condition characterized by the loss of bone mass and structural deterioration, leading to fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures—especially in the hip, spine, and wrist. Often called a “silent disease,” osteoporosis can progress unnoticed for years until a minor fall results in a serious injury.
Over 10 million Americans currently have osteoporosis, and another 44 million have low bone density (osteopenia), placing them at increased risk. Early detection through routine check-ups—often covered by affordable health insurance or HSA-eligible services—can help mitigate this risk.
Understanding Bone Health: More Than Just Calcium
Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. In our youth, bone formation outpaces bone loss. But as we age—especially after 50—this process reverses.
Key contributors to bone loss include:
- Age (especially postmenopausal women and adults over 70)
- Family history
- Hormonal changes (declining estrogen/testosterone)
- Inadequate calcium or vitamin D intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking, alcohol use, and certain medications (like steroids or anticonvulsants)
Preventive consultations, supported by America’s choice health insurance providers, can identify and address these risk factors early.
Fall Prevention: First Line of Defense
Fractures from falls are the most serious and preventable consequence of osteoporosis. PCPs can help prevent falls by:
- Reviewing medications that cause dizziness or sedation
- Ordering physical therapy for balance and gait training
- Recommending home modifications (grab bars, lighting, decluttering)
- Ensuring regular vision and hearing checks
Encouraging daily movement, strength, and balance training (like yoga or tai chi) can significantly reduce fall risk—and may be covered under certain health insurance plans.
Screening and Diagnosis: Know Your Bone Density
The gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis is the DEXA scan (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), a non-invasive test that measures bone mineral density (BMD), usually at the hip and spine.
T-score interpretation:
- Normal: T-score ≥ -1.0
- Osteopenia: T-score -1.0 to -2.5
- Osteoporosis: T-score ≤ -2.5
Who should be screened?
- Women age ≥65 and men ≥70
- Younger postmenopausal women or men with risk factors
- Adults over 50 with a fragility fracture
- Anyone on long-term corticosteroids or other bone-affecting medications
As PCPs, we not only order these tests but help interpret and translate the results into action.
Most private health insurance policies and plans cover bone density testing for eligible individuals. Patients should check with their provider or consider using HSA funds to cover additional services if needed.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Essential Nutrients for Bone Strength
Calcium is the main building block of bone, while vitamin D helps the body absorb and use it effectively.
Daily Intake Recommendations:
- Calcium: 1,000–1,200 mg/day (from food or supplements)
- Vitamin D: 600–800 IU/day (up to 2,000 IU may be safe and effective for some)
Good sources include:
- Calcium: Dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), fortified foods, leafy greens, almonds
- Vitamin D: Sunlight, fatty fish (salmon, tuna), fortified milk, egg yolks
Blood tests can assess vitamin D levels, and supplements can be recommended when levels are low.
Lifestyle Counseling: Movement, Strength, and Habit Change
In addition to nutrition, the following lifestyle changes are strongly encouraged:
- Weight-bearing exercise (walking, hiking, dancing)
- Resistance training (weights, resistance bands)
- Balance activities (tai chi, yoga)
- Smoking cessation: Smoking accelerates bone loss
- Alcohol moderation: Limit to 1–2 drinks/day
- Chronic condition management: Especially diabetes, thyroid disorders, or inflammatory conditions
PCPs can create realistic, actionable plans to improve bone strength—often as part of wellness visits covered by your health insurance plan.
Treatment Modalities for Osteoporosis
If lifestyle measures and supplementation aren’t enough—or if a patient has already been diagnosed—several FDA-approved medications can help.
1. Bisphosphonates (First-line treatment)
- Examples: Alendronate (Fosamax), Risedronate (Actonel), Ibandronate (Boniva), Zoledronic acid (Reclast)
- How they work: Slow bone breakdown and increase density
- How taken: Oral (weekly/monthly) or IV (annually)
- Side effects: GI upset, rare jaw osteonecrosis (usually with dental work), atypical fractures (long-term use)
2. Denosumab (Prolia)
- How it works: A monoclonal antibody that slows bone resorption
- How taken: Injection every 6 months
- Who it’s for: Postmenopausal women or men intolerant to bisphosphonates
- Side effects: Low calcium, skin infections, rebound fractures if stopped suddenly
3. Anabolic Agents (Bone-building medications)
- Examples: Teriparatide (Forteo), Abaloparatide (Tymlos), Romosozumab (Evenity)
- How they work: Stimulate new bone growth
- How taken: Daily or monthly injections
- Reserved for: High-risk patients with multiple fractures or very low bone density
- Duration: Typically limited to 1–2 years
4. Hormonal Therapy (Selective use)
- Raloxifene (Evista): A selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) for postmenopausal women
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): May benefit younger postmenopausal women, though with caution
Primary care providers assess fracture risk using tools like FRAX and collaborate with specialists (endocrinologists, rheumatologists) when initiating advanced therapies.
How PCPs Help at Every Step
Primary care providers such as FamilyFirst Primary Care, are your first line of defense against osteoporosis. We:
- Ask the right questions
- Identify early risk factors
- Order and interpret appropriate screening (DEXA scans)
- Offer dietary and lifestyle counseling
- Prescribe and monitor treatment
- Prevent falls and promote safe physical activity
- Coordinate with specialists as needed
We also coordinate referrals to endocrinologists, orthopedists, physical therapists, and community programs when needed. By working with America’s choice health insurance providers, we ensure that our patients receive comprehensive care—without the burden of excessive out-of-pocket costs.
Resources in Northern Virginia
FamilyFirst Primary Care is proud to serve patients across the region. In Northern Virginia, there are excellent tools and services to support bone health:
DEXA Scan Locations
- Inova Health System – Fairfax, Alexandria, Loudoun
inova.org - Virginia Hospital Center – Arlington
vhchealth.org - Fairfax Radiology Centers – Physician-ordered DEXA services
fairfaxradiology.com
Support & Education
- National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) – Free tools, patient guides
nof.org - Fairfax County Senior Centers – Exercise classes, health screenings
fairfaxcounty.gov - Arthritis Foundation of Northern Virginia – Bone/joint health programs
arthritis.org
Fall Prevention
- Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance – Local programs for fall-proofing homes and staying mobile
novafalls.org
Conclusion: Let’s Build a Stronger Future Together
Osteoporosis doesn’t have to be a silent threat. It’s a condition we can screen, manage, and even prevent—starting right here in the primary care office.
This May, during National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, let’s:
- Talk about bone health at your next check-up
- Review your risk factors
- Get screened if you’re eligible
- Take simple steps through diet, exercise, and—if needed—medication
Covered by affordable health insurance or HSA-eligible services, osteoporosis care is more accessible than ever. Let FamilyFirst Primary Care help you stay strong, mobile, and independent for years to come.
