A state of the art bone density study is offered to all of our patients over the age of 40. We believe that preventive medicine has more advantages to the health of the patient’s, hence, finding bone loss early prior to osteoporosis will give the patient an opportunity to be proactive about their bone health. The procedure is done in our office and takes approximately 15 minutes and will allow us to assess the health of the bones in two major problem areas: hips and spine. Patients will be instructed with treatment options according to the findings, normal bone mass, low bone mass (osteopenia) or severe bone loss (osteoporosis).

Armity A. Simon, M.D., OB/GYN Scottsdale, AZ.

Medical research is proving that Vitamin D benefits the brain as well as the bones, and may be a significant factor in helping older people stay healthy and vital. Known as the Sunshine Vitamin because exposure to sunlight triggers synthesis in the skin, it is also available through dairy foods and fatty fish such as halibut and cod. It plays an essential role in the metabolic process, aiding in the absorption of calcium and promoting bone strength. Without adequate blood levels of this important vitamin, bones can become soft, brittle, or misshappen, and deficiency leads to devastating skeletal diseases like rickets and osteomalacia. Research expands the list of Vitamin D benefits Medical science is discovering that building strong bones is just one of many key roles this vitamin plays in overall health. New research is uncovering more and more ways in which strengthens, protects, and enhances body functions.

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The following link from the CDC is to provide pregnant women with valuable information about  the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccine.

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/providers_qa.htm

Studies have shown that Vitamin D “the sunshine vitamin” protects against a variety of inflammatory conditions including heart disease, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.  According to scientists at Wisconsin University the H1N1 Swine Flu causes more inflammation than the seasonal flu. That’s why the cold and flu season peaks in the winter because there is a lack of sunlight, meaning a lack of Vitamin D in our bodies. Ask your health care provider for more information on Vitamin D deficiency.

As a practicing OBGYN in Scottsdale, I know the importance of Vitamin D for bone health. It is well known that Vitamin D binds to Calcium so that Calcium can be absorbed in our body. By taking daily doses of both vitamins, as well as daily weight bearing exercise, we reduce our risk of developing osteoporosis. (more…)