To My Patients, 

Of the estimated 10 million Americans affected by osteoporosis, at least 80% are women. Experts believe women are more susceptible because their bones tend to be lighter and less dense as well as the hormonal changes after menopause that appear to accelerate bone mass loss. In men, osteoporosis is uncommon until after the age of 70. For women, the loss of bone density speeds up during the first five to seven years after menopause and then slows down. Scientists believe that this rapid postmenopausal decrease in bone mass is caused by a sharp decline in the body's production of estrogen, which appears to help keep calcium enter the bones.

Calcium is the cornerstone of treatment. Dietary calcium and supplements should total 1,500 mg per day. To help with the absorption of the calcium, vitamin D supplements should also be taken. A regular exercise program -- including weight-bearing exercises, such as walking and aerobics -- can help keep your bones strong and free of fractures.

To ensure that people are getting enough calcium to build and maintain strong bones, doctors recommend eating plenty of calcium-rich foods, such as nonfat milk, low-fat yogurt, broccoli, cauliflower, salmon, tofu, and leafy green vegetables.

According to a panel convened by the National Institutes of Health, women who are still menstruating, or who are postmenopausal but taking menopausal hormone therapy, should consume 1,000 mg of calcium each day. This jumps to 1,200-1,500 mg day for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Postmenopausal women not on hormone therapy should consume 1,500 mg/day. Because most women take in only half or a third as much calcium as they need through their diet, most doctors recommend calcium supplements to make up the difference. Calcium supplements are available in many forms, but calcium citrate and calcium gluconate appear to be more effective at reducing bone loss. Avoid using dolomite or bone meal as calcium supplements or calcium carbonate supplements labeled "oyster shell," as they may contain lead and other toxic metals. To help the body absorb calcium, doctors suggest taking vitamin D (400 to 800 IU daily) and magnesium (250 to 350 mg) supplements.

In addition to eating calcium-rich foods, you should also avoid phosphorus-rich ones, which can promote bone loss. High-phosphorus foods include red meats, soft drinks, and those with phosphate food additives. Several studies have indicated that vegetarians tend to have denser bones later in life than meat eaters, although other studies have shown no such difference. Excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine are also thought to reduce the amount of calcium absorbed by the body and should be avoided.

Not only must you get enough calcium in your diet, you must also exercise to maintain strong bones. Studies have shown that weight-bearing exercises -- those that put stress on bones, such as running, walking, tennis, ballet, stair climbing, aerobics, and weightlifting -- reduce bone loss and help prevent osteoporosis. To benefit from the exercise, you must do it at least three times per week for 30 to 45 minutes. Swimming and bicycling, although good cardiovascular exercise, do not appear to prevent osteoporosis because not enough stress is placed on the bones.

Mesotherapy a Success

An alternative to liposuction? Leave it the French who discovered over fifty years ago the fat dissolving results from small injections of various safe compounds into fat cells. Dr. Birken, certified by the American Society for Aesthetics and Mesotherapy (ASAM), reports excellent results.

“Since I started doing mesotherapy only a few months ago, we have several success stories. One of our nurses has lost three inches in her abdomen and another over inch. One patient who wanted her love handles reduced saw reduction after only one treatment. Another patient lost most of the fat under her chin with two treatments. I’m amazed that few American doctors are aware of this safe and effective method for fat reduction.”

For large areas such as the abdominal fat, legs, and arms, six to ten treatments are required. Virtual painless (the needle is smaller than the kind used for insulin), quick (ten to fifteen minutes per treatment), and with few side effects (occasionally swelling, redness, burning, and itching), mesotherapy is a safe and effective way to reduce body fat.
For a limited time, Élan Med Spa is offering special pricing for six scheduled treatments. Call Liz at 832-287-6647

Titan – Skin Tightening without Surgery

Refreshed and energetic eyes? Smooth, velvety skin? Reduction in crow’s feet, “smokers” lips, and marionette wrinkles? A tighter, younger neck? Yes, all this as well as other body tightening is possible with Cutera’s new Titan – an infrared treatment that actually tightens the skin without surgery and without any recovery time. Featured in several national magazines, Titan usually requires two treatments within an hour and half without any down time. Skin improvement reaches maximum results by three months after a treatment. European studies show skin tightening effects for at least three and probably five years. Want to look younger and healthier for the holiday season? Start now.

Dr. Birken is only the third physician in Houston to offer this safe, virtually painless skin tightening. Call Liz at 832-287-6647

Randy Birken, MD
www.gynfo.com