T.J. Samson | Destination Health | October 2019

6 DESTINATION HEALTH Wellness Folic acid The vitamin that helps prevent birth defects Everybody needs folic acid, a B vitamin, to be healthy. But that’s particularly true for women who might become pregnant. Getting enough folic acid before and during pregnancy can help prevent two very serious birth defects: ●  ● Anencephaly, in which most or all of a developing baby’s brain and skull doesn’t form. ●  ● Spina bifida, in which a developing baby’s spinal col- umn doesn’t fully close. These birth defects happen early in pregnancy—as early as three to four weeks after conception, when most women have no idea they’re expecting. Roughly half of all pregnancies in the U.S. aren’t planned.That’s why doctors advise all women who may become pregnant to get enough folic acid every day, even if they’re not trying to conceive. THE RIGHT AMOUNT How much folic acid is enough? Your health care pro- vider is the best person to answer that question. Almost all women need a daily dose of at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Providers often recommend more folic acid— 400 to 800 micrograms—for women who are or could get pregnant. Good sources include: A vitamin. Most multivitamins have at least 400 mi- crograms of folic acid. But check the label to be sure. Foods fortified with folic acid, like breakfast cereal. Many cereals have 400 micrograms per serving. But again, check the label. Breads and pasta are also often enriched with folic acid. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Office on Women’s Health There’s no way to cure osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones dangerously fragile and easily broken. But treating it can help slow its progress—and even rebuild bone—and reduce your risk of a fracture. That treatment often starts with bone-strengthening changes in your diet and lifestyle. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is a must, and your doctor may also advise taking supplements of other vitamins or minerals. Regular exercise—especially weight-bearing exercise like walking or muscle- strengthening workouts—can also help protect your bones. If you’re a smoker, ask your doctor for help quitting. Smoking speeds bone loss. You’ll also want to reduce your risk of falls at home by getting rid of tripping hazards like clutter on floors, throw rugs and loose cords. DO I NEED MEDICINE? Steps like these may not be enough, especially if you’ve already fractured a bone or a bone density test reveals you’re at high risk of a fracture. Then your doctor may advise prescription medicine to help prevent a first or additional fracture. A widely prescribed class of osteoporosis drugs are bisphosphonates, which slow bone loss in women past menopause. But there are other types of osteo- porosis drugs to choose from—including ones that help men—and more are being developed. Together, you and your doctor can find the best match for you, taking into account things like your age, sex, overall health and personal preference—for example, if you prefer a pill, patch or shot. Sources: National Osteoporosis Foundation; UpToDate; U.S. Food and Drug Administration Osteoporosis treatment often starts with bone-strengthening changes in your diet and lifestyle. Osteoporosis Treatments reduce your risk of fracture