Osteoporosis and Coronavirus

If you have osteoporosis, the recent sheltering requirements and limited healthcare might have caused a bump in your treatment regimen.  Please know if you had to miss an appointment for an injection or visit, it will not impact your long-term bone health.  You are not at a higher risk for contracting Covid-19 if you have osteoporosis.  Here are some tips from the International Osteoporosis Foundation to guide you through these unprecedented times with Covid-19:

• Preventing falls is vital: ensure that your home environment is obstacle free.
• Do not discontinue any osteoporosis treatment (including calcium and vitamin D supplements) which you have been prescribed and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
• If your hospital or government advice tells you to stay at home and/or you are concerned about visiting your doctor’s office or hospital, or you need a prescription refilled, try to arrange a telephone appointment instead.
• Maintain contact with family and friends by telephone or email – physical isolation doesn’t have to be social isolation!
• Don’t hesitate to ask for the support you need for shopping, getting prescriptions filled, or other errands.

  You might wonder why they want you avoiding the doctor’s office and hospitals.  These places have high volumes of people who might not be feeling well and could expose you to something that might make you sick.  Although Paragon Orthopedic Center sees patients from around Southern Oregon who have bone issues and aren’t ill, we are constantly sanitizing surfaces, and you never know who might have touched something right before you did.  Remember that there are people who carry the virus without symptoms.  You never know who could make you ill.  If you are concerned about a visit with us at Paragon, please don’t hesitate to discuss this with us and give us a call.  Dr. Bents and Dr. VanHorne have done virtual visits on the internet instead of in-person appointments to keep the patients who were concerned safe.  We care about you and want you to help you. Reach us at (541)472-0603.  Wear your mask, use hand sanitizer often, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands frequently.
  https://www.iofbonehealth.org/news/covid-19-and-osteoporosis