Listen to your bones

When Princess Monjierra Alonto-Desini first tested positive for osteopenia, where bone mineral density is lower than normal, she refused to believe the result.

She thought the machine made an error. “I led an active lifestyle,” she relates. “I exercised. I enjoyed different sports.” Later, however, while diving in Palawan with her sister, she felt a bolt of cramping pain in her right leg. “I shouted for help. I was frightened. The pain did not go away. It ruined my vacation.” Back in Manila, she underwent another bone density test, which confirmed the earlier results. She had osteopenia, a condition which can lead to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become fragile and brittle, increasing the risk of fracture. Bones have two layers. Strong bones outside do not always mean strong bones inside. The weaker inner layer is more vulnerable to breakdown, loss of density and strength. Low-density and fragile bones can go undetected until a painful fracture occurs, and by then, it is too late.

“Osteoporosis is often called the ‘silent disease’,” says Anlene senior brand manager Hamish Reid. “Of the 700,000 Filipinos that were tested nationwide, 50 percent were shown to be at mid- to high risk of osteoporosis. We hesitate to scare people, but we also feel it is our social responsibility to get the statistics out there into the public domain. It also calls attention to the financial and social burdens that arise and need to be addressed as a result.”

Aniceta Tarrayo, a grade school teacher, ignored the persistent pains which she felt on her back and hips until she started to develop a stooping posture. Test results showed that she was positive for osteoporosis. It did not help that she led a sedentary lifestyle inside the classroom and had a diet that was low in calcium and other nutrients necessary to promote stronger bones.

“Contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis is not part of the aging process,” says Dr. Leilani Mercado-Asis of the Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines Foundation Inc. (OSPFI ). “Osteoporosis is a disease. It can be treated. More importantly, it can be prevented.”

Certain risk factors cannot be changed. There is higher risk among women than men, higher among Asians, and among those with a family history of osteoporosis. Other risk factors, however, are modifiable or within your control. These include unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, lack of exercise, and a poor diet which is low in calcium.

“Anlene is the expert in bone nutrition,” says Anlene brand manager Louise Chavez. “Anlene is a low-fat, high-calcium milk that contains essential bone nutrients magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D, which ensures the effective absorption of calcium.

The new improved Anlene formula contains nano-calcium, which is more than 100 times smaller than normal calcium, to ensure even better absorption. One glass of Anlene milk contains the equivalent of calcium in two glasses of regular milk.”

Many think that only children need to drink milk regularly. “That is a misconception,” Louise remarks. “Anlene Regular is for those 19 to 50 years old, while Anlene Gold is best for those 51 and older.”

Another misconception is that milk is fattening. Louise clarifies, “Not Anlene, which is skimmed milk. Just two glasses of Anlene satisfy 100 percent of your daily calcium requirement.” 

Former Binibining Pilipinas-Universe and Anlene brand ambassador Charlene Gonzales Muhlach, drinks Anlene milk every day, in the morning and at night. “It helps me sleep,” she says. “Growing up, I drank more milk than water.” 

Drinking milk has become part of her beauty regimen, which also includes drinking lots of water and living a healthy lifestyle.

“Charlene epitomizes the Anlene woman,” notes Louise. “She is the perfect example of a woman who takes care of her well-being. She lives an active lifestyle.”

Charlene could not imagine herself otherwise. Besides her busy schedule as a popular television and film personality as well as a commercial model, she manages to find time to engage in various sports such as badminton, cycling, and wakeboarding.

“I will try anything,” she says. She has yet to try skydiving. She would not have as much confidence if she were not fit and healthy. And having strong bones is an important part of it.

“Listen to your body, and take care of it,” Charlene says. “Listen to your bones.”