Health

American Double Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Vonda Wright, Talks About Osteoporosis

Published

4 years ago

January 4, 2021

Though bones may feel rock solid, they are actually filled with tiny holes in a kind of honeycomb pattern. Bone tissue gets broken down and rebuilt all the time.

“With aging, humans start to lose more bone mass than we build, and those tiny holes within the bones begin to expand, thinning the solid outer layer. In other words, our bones become less dense. Hard bones become spongy, while spongy bones end up becoming spongier. When this loss of bone density becomes intense, that is what is called osteoporosis,” says Dr. Vonda Wright, American double board certified orthopedic surgeon. “More than 10 million people are estimated to have osteoporosis throughout the nation, and this truly is an astonishing number.”

Dr. Wright has cared for athletes and active people of all ages since 1989, specializing in shoulder, hip and knee arthroscopy. She is currently serving as the inaugural Chief of Sports Medicine at the Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute and is President of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Heart Association. Dr. Wright also actively promotes National Women’s Health Week & Annual Women’s Health Conversations. Below, we join her in conversation to learn more about osteoporosis in aging women and what can be done to prevent it.

“Bones can break as a result of accidents. If your bones are dense enough, they can withstand most falls,” says Dr. Wright. “However, bones deteriorated by osteoporosis are more vulnerable to breaks. The hip is a common candidate for osteoporosis, and is most vulnerable to fractures. A broken hip can lead to a downward spiral of disability. Osteoporosis is also common in the wrist, knee and the spine,” says Dr. Wright.

Osteoporosis in Aging Women

Dr. Vonda Wright reveals that the hormone estrogen enables women to make and rebuild bones. “However, as with menopause, the woman’s estrogen levels drop, eventually speeding up the bone loss. This explains why osteoporosis is most common among older females,” she says.

Dr. Wright recommends that women get screened for osteoporosis regularly after the age of 65. Additionally, women under this age with a high risk for fractures should also be screened regularly.

Reducing the Risk of Osteoporosis

Thankfully, osteoporosis is preventable. “There is a lot that can be done to diminish your risk of osteoporosis. Taking calcium, vitamin D, and exercising is a where to begin,” Dr. Wright says. She explains that calcium is the vital mineral that maintains bone strength. This mineral can be easily obtained from the food you eat— including milk and milk products and dark green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach—or from dietary supplements. She further emphasized that women over age 50 should take at least 1200 mg of calcium each day.

Vitamin D is also essential as it allows the body to absorb calcium. “With aging, your body necessitates more vitamin D that is produced by your skin in the sunlight. Alternatively, you can intake vitamin D from dietary supplements or from specific foods, like milk, eggs, fatty fish, and fortified cereals,” says Dr. Wright.

Exercise strengthens bones, too, particularly weight-bearing exercise like walking, jogging, tennis and dancing. The pull in the muscles acts as a reminder for your bone cells to keep the tissue dense.

Smoking, on the other hand, deteriorates bones. The same goes for heavy drinking. Additionally, some drugs may also increase the risk of osteoporosis.

“And even if you have osteoporosis, it is never too late to get serious about your bone health. As your bones are rebuilding all the time, you can always promote more bone growth by providing them with exercise, calcium, and vitamin D,” says Dr. Wright. “In fact, this is precisely why exercise is essential, for it shapes balance and confidence, thus preventing fractures. Some exercises even provide loads necessary to build bone mass, along with improving balance and coordination—empowering you to catch yourself before you topple.”

Health

Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, Discusses The Hidden Healthcare Crisis in Remote Regions

Published

4 weeks ago

March 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

Image source: Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, and Health Wagon

Access to healthcare remains a challenge for many individuals living in rural and remote areas, where medical facilities are scarce or difficult to reach. Many residents endure long travel times for even basic medical services, leading to delayed diagnoses and worsening health conditions. The lack of healthcare professionals further compounds the issue, leaving communities with inconsistent or inadequate care.

While technology and government initiatives have made strides in addressing these disparities, Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, notes how there are many obstacles still hindering widespread improvement. Bridging the healthcare gap requires a combination of innovative solutions, infrastructure development, and policy changes to ensure that medical services reach those who need them most.

Limited Access to Medical Care

Many remote regions struggle with a severe lack of healthcare facilities, leaving residents with minimal options for medical treatment. Hospitals and clinics are often located hours away, making even routine checkups a logistical challenge.

A shortage of medical professionals further worsens the situation, as many doctors and nurses prefer to work in urban areas with better resources and career opportunities. As a result, rural communities often rely on understaffed clinics or visiting healthcare workers who may not be available consistently. This leads to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment for chronic conditions. Many rural clinics operate with limited medical supplies, making it difficult to provide comprehensive care even when healthcare professionals are available.

In some cases, patients must travel long distances just to receive basic care, often at great personal and financial costs. The burden of transportation, time off work, and the uncertainty of available treatment discourage many from seeking medical attention until their conditions become severe.

Health Risks and Consequences

Delays in medical care often mean that conditions that could have been treated early turn into serious health complications. Many individuals in remote areas develop chronic illnesses that go undiagnosed for years simply because healthcare services are too far away or difficult to access. Diseases that are manageable with regular monitoring, such as diabetes or hypertension, frequently spiral out of control due to the lack of consistent medical supervision.

Beyond physical health, the absence of adequate healthcare also takes a toll on mental well-being. Isolation and limited access to mental health professionals leave many struggling with anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions without proper support. In small, tight-knit communities, stigma around mental health can make it even harder for individuals to seek help, further exacerbating the crisis.

Preventable diseases continue to spread in these areas due to the lack of vaccinations, screenings, and early interventions. Without proper healthcare infrastructure, outbreaks of common illnesses can have devastating effects, particularly on children and the elderly. The combination of poor access, financial barriers, and limited awareness creates a cycle where minor health concerns escalate into life-threatening conditions.

Challenges in Expanding Healthcare Services

Building and maintaining healthcare infrastructure in remote regions comes with considerable hurdles. Poor road conditions and unreliable transportation make it difficult for medical professionals to reach patients, and in some cases, ambulances are unavailable, forcing residents to rely on personal vehicles or community efforts to transport those in need. In areas with extreme weather conditions, seasonal challenges further complicate healthcare delivery, cutting off entire communities during certain times of the year. These conditions make it nearly impossible for emergency medical teams to provide timely assistance in critical situations.

Funding remains a major obstacle, as rural healthcare facilities often struggle with limited financial resources. Many small clinics operate on tight budgets, lacking essential medical equipment and supplies. Without sufficient investments, these facilities cannot expand their services, making it harder to attract and retain qualified healthcare workers. As a result, many professionals opt to work in urban settings where they have access to better salaries, career advancement, and modern medical technology.

Role of Technology in Bridging the Gap

Advancements in technology are offering new ways to connect patients in remote areas with medical professionals. Telemedicine has made it possible for individuals to consult doctors without having to travel long distances, reducing delays in diagnoses and treatment. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and mobile health apps allow patients to receive medical advice without needing to visit overcrowded or distant healthcare facilities. In addition to telemedicine, artificial intelligence is being used to assist in diagnosing conditions remotely, helping bridge the gap in specialist care.

Despite its potential, implementing technology-driven healthcare solutions in rural regions is not without obstacles. Many areas lack reliable internet access or the necessary digital literacy to make full use of telehealth services. Even when technology is available, the cost of devices and connectivity can create another barrier, preventing low-income households from benefiting fully. Addressing these issues requires a combination of infrastructure development, education, and financial support to ensure that technology can be effectively integrated into rural healthcare systems.

Efforts to Improve Rural Healthcare

Governments and nonprofit organizations are actively working to address the healthcare challenges faced by remote communities. Investment in medical outreach programs, mobile clinics, and training initiatives for local healthcare workers has helped bring essential services to those who need them most. Some regions have introduced incentive programs to encourage doctors and nurses to work in underserved areas, offering student loan forgiveness, housing assistance, or higher salaries.

Community-led initiatives also play a crucial role in improving healthcare access. Local volunteers and advocacy groups often step in to provide educational workshops, vaccination drives, and wellness programs tailored to the specific needs of their communities. These grassroots efforts help bridge gaps where formal healthcare systems fall short, ensuring that residents receive at least some level of medical support.

Future Prospects for Remote Healthcare

Innovations in medical technology, policy changes, and raising awareness are shaping the future of rural healthcare. The expansion of telehealth services, combined with improved infrastructure, has the potential to make healthcare more accessible and efficient. Continued investment in mobile medical units and community-based programs could ensure that even the most isolated areas receive the care they need. Research into low-cost, portable medical devices is also opening new doors for remote diagnostics and treatment.

Sustained progress will depend on collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and local communities. Long-term solutions require more than temporary programs; they demand systemic changes that prioritize equitable medical access. If these efforts continue to grow, rural healthcare systems may finally move toward lasting improvements that benefit future generations.