Sally Field Still Going Strong

Sally Field has been fighting long and hard, taking on tough roles, on and off the screen. From workers’ and women’s rights to anti-nuclear protests, the two-time Academy Award winner has always met challenges head on, fighting for the welfare of others.
Now her cause is hitting closer to home. Field has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, the chronic bone disease that threatens more than 44 million Americans over 50, about 80% of whom are women. Needless to say, she is not taking this one lying down.
“My generation has pushed for so much change to improve the lives of women, and today the biggest hurdle many of us face is our health,” says Field who turned 60 on November 6. “We’ve never been willing to sit back and take it—and that includes osteoporosis too.”
Field is taking charge by leading a public action campaign to educate and inspire women to fight this fragile bone disease. Rally With Sally For Bone HealthSM, sponsored by Roche and GlaxoSmithKline, encourages women to protect themselves against fractures so they can remain active and reduce their risk of a debilitating injury.
“For me, treating my osteoporosis means I can strengthen my bones and continue my active lifestyle without being so afraid of breaking a bone,” says Field. “I can’t imagine not doing everything possible to manage my osteoporosis.”
Since Field is thin with a small frame, her doctor had been watching her since her 40’s. She also has the genetic code for osteoporosis because her paternal grandmother was tiny and bent over.
“I’m very fortunate because I have a wonderful doctor who believes in preventative medicine,” says Field, explaining she was initially put on hormones. But when research linked hormones to heart disease, the doctor immediately made her stop taking them because of her family’s history of heart disease. “Then he really had to watch my bones without estrogen,” she remembers.
“I was considered osteopenia, which means I was borderline, so I had a bone density test every two years throughout my forties and early fifties,” says Field. Osteoporosis was detected in the test she had this year.
“You don’t feel anything. You just have very porous, brittle, fragile bones and fracture much easier,” says Field. “Had I let my condition go on without catching it, I wouldn’t even be able to pick up a bag of groceries without fear of a fracture,” she added with a sigh of gratitude. “A fracture is so debilitating and alter your lifestyle, especially if it’s later in life and if you experience a hip or spine fracture.”
Not one to hesitate, Field discussed options with her doctor as soon as she was diagnosed. Her decision to begin treatment with Boniva was an easy one, she says.
“For me, it was that it was a once-a-month medication. It’s very important to stay committed to your treatment. I knew that if I had to take a pill every day or even once a week, I would certainly forget,” says Field who wasn’t about to let anything compromise her very active lifestyle.
“Except for a few simple guidelines, Boniva is essentially a worry-free treatment,” says Field noting it must be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. “I can sit or walk, but I can’t lie down so I use this time to go on the computer.”
And on your computer is where you can find Field’s monthly journal. By logging on to www.BoneHealth.com, you can read about what’s new in the actress’ life and how she’s staying active, enjoying her family and continuing her career, all while taking care of her bones. In addition to Field’s entries, there’s other useful information to help understand and manage post-menopausal osteoporosis while leading a full life. At the site, you can take a pledge to help you stay committed to your own bone health. Free materials about osteoporosis are also available by calling toll-free 1-877-BoneHealth (877-266-3432).
Just six days after starting Boniva, tests showed positive results for Field. “My doctor was thrilled,” she recalls. “He called me all excited because the percentage of bone loss had been cut back so drastically to an almost normal level. By the second dosage, I was at a pre-menopausal level.” Now with regular tests, Field’s doctor is able to tell just how much bone she is or isn’t losing.
“I was really surprised and relieved to find that taking care of my bones is more convenient than I expected it would be,” says Field. Now that she knows osteoporosis doesn’t have to take over her life, she wants to make sure others take a pro-active role in their bone health so they don’t have to suffer the debilitating consequences.
As part of her campaign, Field is encouraging women to schedule a Bone Density Test. “It’s absolutely a cinch,” she says. “The test is over in five minutes. Your hips, thighs and spine are all comfortably positioned as the machine scans you. Nothing touches you. It’s so easy.”
She is also urging women of all ages to make sure they get the proper nutrition to maintain their bone health. “Our generation had no warning,” she says, “but the generations to come need to know that a calcium-rich diet and Vitamin D are extremely important.”
And finally, the indefatigable Field can’t say enough about the importance of being active. “Exercise is something that empowers women in more ways than just physically,” she says. “When your body gets stronger, it changes your image of yourself and you become emotionally stronger.”
Having spent a lifetime full of physical activity, Field wanted to be able to remain active. With osteoporosis a little more thought was required. She has incorporated the all-important weight training into her regimen. Although she always exercises whether at home or on the road, she especially enjoys lifting weights at a gym where she can get inspiration from other women who are also taking care of their health, she says.
Her busy schedule requires a lot of discipline and getting regular exercise takes dedication. Currently, she is starring in ABC-TV’s compelling new drama “Brothers and Sisters,” where she plays the opinionated mother of five adult children. Even though she works long hours when filming, she gets up extra early to fit in a hike, a swim or lifting free weights.
Eating well is also a challenge when shooting, but just as important as exercising, says Field. She makes sure her diet includes a lot of calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, goat cheese and cottage cheese, as well as dark greens, and proteins such as beans, chicken and fish.
And the payoff for Field’s commitment to her health is doing what she enjoys most—spending time with her family, especially her three grandchildren.
“You don’t want this part of your life to be hampered,” she says. “You want to own it.”
And she does!