My son takes a steroid medication to control his arthritis. His doctor said this might affect his bones. Is there anything we can do about this?
Some medications used to treat the disease--when taken for a long time--can have a negative effect on bones. Corticosteroids, a type of anti-inflammatory medication, are often prescribed for arthritis. These and other medications can decrease calcium absorbed from food, increase calcium loss from the kidneys, and shrink a child's bone bank account.
Kids with juvenile arthritis need to take special care of their bones, making sure to get enough calcium and weight-bearing exercise. Some health care providers recommend extra calcium each day: between 1,000 and 1,500 mg. Talk to your child's doctor for more information about protecting his bones while he is taking these medications.
My 8-year-old son is a daredevil and has already broken several bones. Could he have a problem like osteoporosis at this young age?
Osteoporosis is rare among children and adolescents. When it occurs, it is usually caused by an underlying medical disorder or by medications used to treat such disorders. This is called secondary osteoporosis. It may also be the result of a genetic disorder such as osteogenesis imperfecta, in which bones break easily from little or no apparent cause. Sometimes there is no identifiable cause of juvenile osteoporosis. This is known as idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis. Two or more low-impact fractures may be a sign of one of these disorders. If you are concerned about your son's frequent fractures, talk to his doctor for more information.
Disorders, medications, and behaviors that may affect peak bone mass
Primary DisordersMedications
How can I get through to my kids? They sure don't think about their bones.
You are absolutely right. Research has shown that children and adolescents do not tend to think much about their health. Their decisions about diet and exercise, for example, are rarely made based on "what's good for them." But we also know that you have a much greater influence on your kids' decisions and behaviors than you may believe. For example, many teenagers, when asked who has been the greatest influence in their life, name parents before friends, siblings, grandparents, and romantic partners.
The best way to help your kids develop healthy habits for life is to be a good role model yourself. Research suggests that active children have active parents. If you make physical activity a priority and try hard to maintain a healthy diet, including plenty of calcium, chances are your positive lifestyle will "rub off" on them along the way. Here are some things you can do.More Information
Source: NIH Publication No. 02-5186 Kids and Their Bones: A Guide for Parents
