With Serious Side Effects of Osteoporosis Drugs Mounting, Health Experts at AheadoftheCurveatMidlife.com Say it’s Time Women Take Charge
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) April 15, 2010
Popular osteoporosis drugs- the bisphosphonates- are beginning to develop a bad track record. Incapacitating joint and muscle pain, possible links to atrial fibrillation, pending lawsuits of jaw necrosis, and now the latest – spontaneous thigh bone fracture, midlife women clearly need safer and more effective options for staving off osteoporosis. Before accepting drug treatment, the health experts at AheadoftheCurveatMidlife.com (http//:http://www.aheadofthecurveatmidlife.com) want women to know that, “Women shouldn’t fear osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is not a normal part of aging, and there is a lot that women who are otherwise relatively healthy can do to take control of their bone health well into the second half of life”. To offer women just such a safe and natural non-drug option, they created a uniquely customized bone strengthening program, Women Doing It for Themselves: 8 Steps to Building Strong Bones for Lifelong Vitality.
Co-developed with integrative healthcare practitioner Dr. Judith Valentine, Ph.D., Women Doing It for Themselves is an innovative virtual program that brings the latest in nutritional research to preventing osteoporosis and maintaining bone health well into the senior years. Combining the cutting edge science of metabolic typing with the web’s ease of personal interaction, Dr. Valentine helps women assess their needs to create an individualized food and supplement program. “While good nutrition isn’t rocket science,” she says, it’s time to lay to rest the myth that osteoporosis is a calcium deficiency disease – it is much more complex than that. There are dozens of nutrients that affect bone health, and different metabolic types need different proportions of them. Mastering the essentials of meeting your own unique needs takes more than reading a book or a one-size fits all program. It takes motivation and guidance to learn and apply lifelong diet and lifestyle changes that will stick. That’s the only approach that works.”
“There is an increasing sense that the pharmaceutical and insurance industries are running health care. Doctors are paid for a 5 minute consult and a prescription, while what’s really needed – a 2 hour wellness education in changing lifelong health with diet, exercise and lifestyle – isn’t currently reimbursable by most insurance,” says Jennifer Montgomery, pharmacist and co-founder of the website AheadoftheCurveatMidlife.com. “To make matters worse these non-drug programs are usually associated with large out-of-pocket expenses, and it is difficult for women to evaluate their effectiveness.”
With health care costs skyrocketing, and physician visits that end with an osteoporosis drug prescription the norm, AheadoftheCurveatMidlife.com wants women to have an affordable option in seeking safe and individualized solutions that succeed. The cost is $ 197. For more details, or to enroll, visit http://www.aheadofthecurveatmidlife.com or email info(at)aheadofthecurveatmidlife(dot)com
Guía educativa y preventiva sobre Osteoporosis con el Doctor Jose Goris, Medicina General. 435 Fort Washington Ave Apt 1C New York, NY 10033 – 212-923-1919 Video Rating: 0 / 5
WVIA Call the Doctor-Osteoporosis: Strong Bones for Life Tonight @ 7 on WVIA-TV
Choosing the right acid reflux medication for your needs isn’t always easy. After all, there are many causes and symptoms to consider. Furthermore, you need to find the right one that works for you. And that process just got more challenging as researchers have found that some heartburn drugs put users at a greater risk of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones begin to lose their density (bone mineral density or BMD), placing the sufferer at increased risk of a fracture or break. It’s a condition that typically occurs as we age when the body is less able to regenerate healthy new bone.
Although it may not look it, bone is actually living tissue that is constantly renewing itself. It’s made up of a hard outer shell that contains collagen, minerals and blood vessels, as well as a softer core of bone marrow.
Bones are kept healthy and renewed by a supply of proteins and minerals absorbed from the blood, including calcium.
Specifically, it is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) among the commonly prescribed acid reflux medications that put people at a higher risk of osteoporosis, according to a 2008 Canadian study. Proton pump inhibitors are drugs that stop the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach in order to reduce damage caused by acid reflux or GERD.
The study examined 63,000 people aged fifty or older and looked into their medical records, prescription records, and other relevant elements. Among the group, 15,300 had fractures from osteoporosis, including those of the hip, spine, and wrist.
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The participants in the study who had histories of fractures from osteoporosis were almost two times more likely to have used proton pump inhibitors for a minimum of seven years in comparison with other study participants. And sixty two percent of those participants in the study with hip fractures had used proton pump inhibitors for a minimum of five years. However, there was no evidence that the short-term use of proton pump inhibitors would increase the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.
It should be noted that it is not the proton pump inhibitors that actually cause the fractures.
The study showed only that there is a link between the acid reflux medication and fractures due to osteoporosis. The researchers believe that as the PPI’s block the stomach’s hydrochloric acid, the body’s ability to absorb calcium may be impaired, leading to – or worsening – osteoporosis. However, more study is required to either prove or disprove this hypothesis.
Though the precise link between the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and osteoporosis-related fractures has yet to be determined, there is enough evidence that should encourage you to discuss the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures with your doctor before starting to use proton pump inhibitors – especially over a longer period of time. Commonly prescribed PPI acid reflux medication includes: Prisolex, Aciphex, Nexium, Protonix, and Prevacid.
If you’re currently prescribed a PPI to control acid reflux it important to continue with your medication unless otherwise advised by a medical professional. If you have concerns over the long term use of PPI’s then raise your concerns at your next doctors visit.
When you speak with your doctor, you will need to work together to decide whether the benefits of taking PPIs outweigh the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. You may decide to take proton pump inhibitors as a temporary acid reflux medication while other potential life changes or drugs are decided upon.
Those who are most at risk of being effected by this issue are people who are taking or who are about to begin taking PPIs and either have osteoporosis or are at risk of the disease.
Less powerful acid reflux medication may be a better solution for these people. For example, histamine blockers (also known as H2 anatgonists) are able to effectively treat GERD and its related symptoms. Though they are often less effective than proton pump inhibitors, they are not linked to osteoporosis fractures when used over the long term.
Alternatively you may wish to do away with acid reflux medication altogether (don’t forget to speak to your doctor first). This approach is successful for many thousands of people who rely on nothing more than small changes in their diet and some simple home remedies to keep symptoms at bay.
Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker’s brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter – Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about finding acid reflux relief without having to turn to acid reflux medication
Researchers at the University of Limerick have discovered a groundbreaking method of diagnosism — a new method of identifying the bone disease, osteoporosis.
Simply by looking at fingernails the team can establish if a person is suffering from the disease.
According to Dr Niamh Rushe, a post doctoral research officer at UL and Dr Mark Towler, leader of the research team, The Bone Quality test (BQT) is cheaper, simpler to use and could prove more accurate than all forms of non-invasive osteoporosis detection available today.
“It is able to detect the onset of osteoporosis by analysing the contents of a fingernail using Raman spectroscopy,” says Dr Rushe.
Explaining that the current method of determining whether someone is suffering from the disease is to expose their body to low level x-rays called DXA (dual x-ray absorptiometry) scans which measure bone mineral density, Dr Towler said: “This procedure, which takes place in hospitals, is time consuming, requires trained staff and involves the use of a large machine of which only a certain number are available throughout the country, yet 25 per cent of Irish women will at some stage in their lives suffer from osteoporosis and most will only be referred for a DEXA scan once they have actually suffered a fracture.”
Dr Towler said that the new test method can offer early detection before fractures occur and will allow a vastly increased number of patients to be tested efficiently and without the necessity of a referral to a hospital.
Using facilities funded by Crescent Diagnostics Limited, the team has developed the novel Raman spectroscopy based diagnostic test which is able to detect osteoporosis in its early stages by measuring the disulphide bond content of the fingernail using Raman spectroscopy. These properties can be used as an analogue for bone quality, as both nail keratin and bone collagen require sulphation and disulphide bond formation for structural integrity.
“In Ireland bone fractures cost the exchequer around 12 million euro annually excluding costs relating to physiotherapy, drugs and social welfare. In the USA it is estimated that osteoporosis care costs three billion dollars annually in the US but our new test can significantly help in reducing these costs whilst at the same time offering better quality of life to the ageing population,” said Dr Towler.
Dr Towler and Crescent Diagnostics are currently working with pharmaceutical companies to exploit this new test to monitor drug and treatment protocols.
Recently Towler and his colleagues including Niamh Rushe were shortlisted for the UK’s Medical Futures Innovation Awards which recognise and encourage innovation in all parts of the healthcare industry including the NHS, academia and private sector. http://www.limerick.com.
Hello Doctor interviews Liezel vd Westhuizen about her break and discusses the symptoms and preventative measures for Osteoporosis. Video Rating: 5 / 5
Osteoporosis Patients in Dallas/Fort Worth Gain Access to New, More Accurate Bone Density Diagnostic Device
ARLINGTON, Texas (PRWEB) September 2, 2008
Approved by the FDA in 2005, the Lunar iDXA™ system (intelligent dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry) enables clinicians to more accurately detect, diagnose and monitor treatment of osteoporosis.
“According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the iDXA system has the lowest percentage of error and the highest quality imaging of any osteoporosis diagnostic method,” says Johann Van Beest, Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and CEO of HighPoint Patient Services in Arlington, Texas, which recently acquired the system. “With earlier detection and treatment, patients have a significantly greater chance of preventing the debilitating hip fractures that compromise quality of life for so many people. Previous technologies gave us only part of the story.”
An iDXA scan yields high-definition images accompanied by a detailed report showing the patient’s exact bone density and fracture risk, Dr. Van Beest notes. For those who fit established risk guidelines, the cost of the scan is typically covered by insurance or Medicare.
HighPoint Patient Services recently launched an outreach effort to collaborate with local physicians who don’t have easy access to the new technology. “We are hosting Lunar iDXA™ demonstrations in September and October in Celebration of World Osteoporosis Day. Doctors who treat the elderly, patients with cancer, bone disorders, arthritis or women on hormone replacement therapy should call for more details,” says Dr. Van Beest.
In addition to improving quality of life and longevity for those at risk of osteoporosis, earlier and more accurate detection reduces the economic burden of the estimated $ 17 billion in annual health care costs needed nationally to treat osteoporosis-related fractures, a figure found in the 2008 National Osteoporosis Foundation Clinicians Guide.
To register for a Lunar iDXA™ demonstration call David Greig at (817) 417-8782.
ABOUT HIGHPOINT PATIENT SERVICES
HighPoint Patient Services (http://www.highpointpatientservices.com) is the operations company for HighPoint Pain Management, HighPoint Rehab Institute, HighPoint Pharmacy, and DiagnosticNeuro-imaging. HighPoint assists patients in efficient diagnosis, recovery and maintaining their daily quality of life. The facility is located at 800 West Arbrook Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, Texas 76015.
Release Summary:
Texas patients who are at risk for osteoporosis now have access to more accurate bone density diagnostic device.
As a woman ages, and begins edging toward menopause, she produces less estrogen, the hormone that helps control the rate at which calcium is reabsorbed into the bones. As estrogen levels fall, the bones may begin giving up more calcium than they take in. As a result, they get softer, weaker, and more prone to fractures. Doctors call this osteoporosis. While men also get osteoporosis, they suffer from it much less than women.
Doctors estimate that osteoporosis is responsible for about a third of all hip and vertebral fractures in people fifty years and older. It also causes back pain and, in some cases, a stooped posture as bones in the spine weaken and collapse.
Once you have osteoporosis, it can be very difficult to reverse. But it’s easy to prevent, mainly by making simple changes in your diet and lifestyle.
Concentrate on calcium. The most important thing you can do to prevent and treat osteoporosis is to get more calcium. All women should get at least 1000 milligrams of calcium a day. Women who are past menopause need even more, about 1500 milligrams a day. Most women don’t get anywhere near those amounts, and that’s unfortunate because it’s very easy to get all the calcium you need in your diet.
Dairy foods are the best sources of calcium. A cup of skim milk, for example, has over 300 milligrams of calcium. A cup of yogurt has a lot more, about 450 milligrams. Cheese is also good. A serving of mozzarella cheese, for example, has over 180 milligrams of calcium.
Even if you’re not a big fan of dairy foods, there are plenty of other places to get calcium. Fortified orange juice, contains about as much calcium as an equal serving of milk. You can also get a lot of calcium in leafy green vegetables, like bok choy, kale, and broccoli.
Ask your doctor about supplements. If you’re not getting enough calcium in your diet, your doctor may recommend that you take calcium supplement, which will easily provide all you need.
Don’t forget the D. Your body needs vitamin D in order to absorb calcium. This is perhaps the easiest nutrient to get. All you have to do is spend a little time outdoors. Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” because your body produces it naturally whenever sunshine touches your skin. You can also get vitamin D by drinking fortified milk.
Consider hormone replacement. Although it’s not for everyone, some women past menopause will benefit from taking supplemental estrogen. Increasing the amount of estrogen in your body will vastly improve the bones ability to absorb more calcium.
Cut back on colas. Colas and other soft drinks contain a substance called phosphoric acid, which can speed the removal of calcium from your bones.
Exercise regularly. Doctors at one time hesitated before recommending exercise to post-menopausal women because it was thought that vigorous activity might increase the risk of fractures in already weak bones. Experts now know, however, that regular exercise – especially weight-bearing exercise, such as walking and lifting weights – can actually cause the bones to take in more calcium, making them thicker and stronger. Swimming is a great exercise because it puts virtually no stress on already weakened bones.
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Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease that causes the bones to thin and become brittle. Without proper treatment, the bones can become brittle and break easily.
There are many different factors that cause osteoporosis. Some of these include:
Menopause
Certain medical conditions
Medications
Hormones
Unbalanced diet
Since it may not be known what causes osteoporosis for every person, it is important to look out for symptoms of the condition and consult with your doctor. Many who develop osteoporosis may not even know they have the disease because symptoms often remain hidden. Some of the symptoms of osteoporosis are:
Back pain
Loss of height
Bone fractures
Bone loss (seen through dental x-rays)
If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to visit a doctor as soon as possible. A bone density test is the most effective way to find out if you have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing it. This test is recommended to most women over the age of fifty-five. If the results of your blood density score indicate that you have low bone density or osteoporosis, then it is important to schedule a medical evaluation in order to determine what can be done in regards to treatment.
Calcium is essential for building and maintaining healthy bone. Vitamin D is also needed because it helps your body absorb calcium. Following a healthy, well-balanced diet can help you get these and other important nutrients throughout life.
Other tips for prevention:
Avoid drinking excess alcohol
Don’t smoke
Get regular exercise
A number of medications are approved for the prevention of osteoporosis.
For most people, osteoporosis can be prevented or treated. A well-balanced diet, a regular exercise regimen and vitamin supplements are all great ways to prevent further damage from Osteoporosis from occurring. Your doctor will also probably recommend you to take a particular medication in order to prevent it from further affecting your bone density levels. Keep in mind that one of the main keys to treating or preventing this bone condition is determining what causes each individual case of osteoporosis. If you’re worried you may have osteoporosis, consult the geriatric specialists at PrimeMedical today!
PrimeMedical continues to accept new patients, most insurances and Medicare. Call our office today to schedule your comprehensive bone density exam at 310.548.0201!
What are the methods for diagnosing this bone disease and what will your doctor recommend? These are very serious questions that might be weighing on your mind as you sit in the waiting room before you see your doctor. Below you will find some of the diagnostic procedures explained, and hopefully you will not feel as nervous about seeing your doctor.
To accurately receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis, four medical practices are involved. Diagnosis consists of a physical examination, laboratory tests, medical history and, lastly, though most revealing, a bone density test. Each part of the diagnosing process plays a role in measuring the disease’s progression. This evaluation provides vital information about potential causes and the decreased amount of bone mass, as well as determining risks towards bone fractures.
So you will clearly understand each part of the diagnosing for osteoporosis process, the following informative research defines what is involved.
Your doctor will begin the diagnosis for possible osteoporosis by asking you a number of questions. These questions will be directed towards your daily diet, and what kind of activities you normally do throughout each day. Then, your doctor will talk with you about any medications, vitamins or supplements that you may be taking. Finally, your doctor will do a thorough physical examination. This completes the medical history and physical evaluation part of the diagnosis process.
At the laboratory, a lab technician will take a sample of your blood. Next, you will be asked to give a sample of your urine. Having given the samples, your visit to the lab, for the purpose of diagnosing osteoporosis, is done. From this point, it is time for the laboratory technicians to begin their tests.
Now you have arrived at the final part of your diagnosis for osteoporosis, which is radiology. At the radiology department, a technician will be taking sophisticated and specialized X-rays of targeted bones within your body. It is through the highly technical scanning within this advanced type of X-rays that will pinpoint any signs of osteoporosis.
Over the next few days, you will be waiting to learn the results from your being tested for osteoporosis. During this time, the medical technicians are conducting and reviewing your tests, in order to provide your doctor and you with a diagnosis. The diagnosis will prove whether or not you have, or are developing osteoporosis.
Make it a priority, as a maturing woman, to schedule an appointment with your doctor for osteoporosis diagnosing. Such testing can either ensure your physical well-being.
Do you have osteoporosis or do you think you might develop osteoporosis? Living an active and healthy lifestyle can help you with osteoporosis. Don’t wait to help you body!
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