In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, hosts Dr Catherine Bourke and Dr Anna Mullins discuss a critical and often overlooked aspect of health: Bone Health. They begin with clarifying the terms osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, which are often confused by patients. 

Dr Bourke and Dr Mullins present statistics highlighting the grave consequences of untreated osteoporosis, reinforcing the urgent need for awareness and early diagnosis. While also outline the risk factors, including age, family history, hormonal imbalances, vitamin D deficiency, and low body weight.

Emphasising the importance of prevention through nutrition, particularly calcium intake, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, and specific exercises like resistance and balance training. Practical advice is provided to help patients incorporate these into their daily routines. They also discuss the bone mineral density test (DEXA scan), which is crucial for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring bone health over time.

They then discussed treatment, including medications and multi-disciplinary care involving GPs, dietitians, and exercise physiologists. The long-term impact of fractures on independence and quality of life is stressed, making this a valuable resource for GPs aiming to improve patient outcomes in bone health.

Links & Resources:

• Healthy Bones Australia: https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au

This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast and is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

Mentioned in this episode:

Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.

Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling.

The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move.

Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.au

Doctors 4 Mudgee Region