Why you should drink Milo

A few months ago, I found myself in the hospital with a broken hip. I’ll never forget the surprise when someone from the Gerontology Department arrived. I always thought gerontology was for older people, but apparently, a 59-year-old man with a broken hip is unusual and likely a sign of osteoporosis.

After a bone density scan and a blood test, the diagnosis was confirmed today: I have osteoporosis. This is quite strange for a man of my age; it’s a condition that more commonly affects women due to hormonal changes. There is a history of osteoporosis among the women in my family, and it seems that despite not being a woman or a smoker (another common cause), I’ve inherited the condition.

This new reality means a few changes. Firstly, I need to increase my calcium intake. My doctor and I reviewed my diet and, while it’s not far off, I could use a bit more. She suggested a dietary supplement if I can’t make up the difference with food, so I picked one up from the chemist today.

On top of that, I’ll require bone-strengthening injections. For the first year, I’ll have them monthly, followed by a more potent annual injection. One of the risks associated with this treatment is the potential for a stroke, so my doctor has recommended I see a cardiologist to ensure everything is okay in that regard.

It’s been interesting learning about calcium sources. I knew about milk and cheese, which are already a regular part of my diet. In fact, looking into it, I was surprised to see that even something like Milo is actually a high source of calcium. I just thought it was chocolate, though I vaguely remember the ads on TV many years ago saying something about calcium. However, I was also surprised to learn that many fruits and vegetables, which I thought would be beneficial, don’t make a significant difference in comparison.

Can somebody recommend a podiatrist in Sydney?

My podiatrist cancelled on me today for the third time in a row. The clinic informed me that he no longer works there. This is particularly frustrating as my previous podiatrist also left his separate practice abruptly.

It seems there’s a shortage of podiatrists in Australia, a fact confirmed by a podiatrist I spoke with on the trip to China. She mentioned that the professional association is aware of the issue but is still figuring out how to address it.

So, that’s my health update for today. And please take a look at the calcium chart.