General
Osteoporosis
Heart Problems Caused by Osteoporosis Drugs - [10/28/08]
Summary: New research has found that those who take bisphosphonates for osteoporosis may be at a higher risk for atrial fibrillation (AF), or irregular heartbeats. "Atrial fibrillation can be serious if it is persistent or occurs in people with preexisting heart disease or hypertension. If left untreated, it can lead to pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or the formation of a blood clot that can cause a brain embolism and stroke" said Jennifer Miranda, MD.
Comment: Because of this new research, those with the condition osteoporosis should be more careful about the drugs they take for their illness. This may help doctors be more cautious about prescribing this drug to those with this condition, which could prevent heart problems.
Read article - Medical News TODAY October 28, 2008
Binge Drinking is Bad for Bones - [10/22/08]
Summary: Binge drinking can reduce bone mass and strength, which increases the risk of osteoporosis. The alcohol disrupts a gene that maintains healthy bones. People that abuse alcohol are also more likely to not consume enough calcium, which also contributes to unhealthy bones. Consuming high amounts of alcohol can also damage bone health by causing falls and broken bones.
Comment: "Of course, the best way to prevent alcohol-induced bone loss is to not drink or to drink moderately," said bone biologist John Callaci, PhD. It is recommended that alcohol consumption is limited to one or two servings a day to preserve bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
Read article - Science Daily October 22, 2008
Preventing Falls - [10/22/08]
Summary: Falls are a serious health concern for millions of Americans. Some risk factors for falls include mobility difficulties, depression, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and hearing loss. Tips for avoiding falls include getting annual physical exams, consuming diets with adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D, not smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, exercise, keeping homes safe from hazards, and wearing shoes with no-skid soles.
Comment: Every year more than 11 million Americans fall and injure themselves, resulting in 368,000 hip fractures last year. Seniors and those at risk for falls should follow the tips and guidelines issued to prevent falls. Making small changes in lifestyle can protect those with osteoporosis from falls and injuries.
Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com October 22, 2008
Patients Misunderstand Written Screening Tests - [10/14/08]
Summary: The majority of physicians require patients to answer written questions while in the waiting room to visit the doctor. However, a new survey has revealed the gap between doctors and patients in the process of answering the written questions. Because of the difference in literacy between patients and physicians, most patients are confused, or don't understand most of the questions. According to Dr. Master, one of the authors of this survey, the predominant reason for this is illiteracy.
Comment: Illiteracy is becoming more common in American which is causing great problems to physicians. Not only is there a problem with illiteracy but also with patients who are innumerate. By answering the surveys to the best of your abilities, you will receive better diagnosis or treatment of osteoporosis.
Read article - Medical News TODAY October 14, 2008
New Attitude Towards Osteoporosis - [10/13/08]
Summary: In a recently conducted study, researchers surveyed women with osteoporosis about their condition. 70% of women confessed to accidently or purposefully skipping a dose of their medication that was prescribed for their osteoporosis. The reasons they did so include side effects, confusing treatment instructions, ineffectiveness, and inconvenient treatment that interfered with day-to-day life. "It is clear that many current treatments can be difficult or inconvenient to take correctly, although complete adherence to osteoporosis treatment is necessary at all times for maximum fracture protection," said Professor Steven Boonen, MD, PhD.
Comment: About 85% of women with osteoporosis surveyed described themselves as being active while only 23% felt that they are "frail and fragile". Not letting osteoporosis affect your daily lives can be a positive idea, but it is important to talk to your doctor before skipping any doses of your medication.
Read article - Medical News TODAY October 13, 2008
Internet Consulted More Often Than Doctors - [10/12/08]
Summary: New market research shows that over the past year more adults went to the internet to get health information than consulted a doctor. This trend may likely be the product of an increasing consumer comfort in using the web to find reliable medical information. In addition, rising costs of healthcare coverage and visits to the doctor may be adding to the preference for first looking for information online.
Comment: The impacts of this trend, as well as others, will be discussed in an online seminar entitled "Is TV Dead? How the New New Media Changes Pharmaceutical DTC Advertising". The event is scheduled for October 14th at 11am EST and October 16th at 3pm EST.
Read article - Medical News Today. October 12, 2008.
Read article - Register for the Seminar
Reduced Rates for World Conference on Osteoporosis - [10/10/08]
Summary: Online registration for the World Conference on Osteoporosis 2008 is available until October 31, 2008 with reduced registration rates. The Conference will include 14 lectures by experts, 40 oral presentations on research and news, "Meet the Expert" sessions, a special session on nutrition and bone health, 3 sessions on orthopedics, and 8 satellite symposium.
Comment: This conference will provide new information on osteoporosis, and the reduced rates with online registration will allow more convenient attendance.
Read article - Medical News TODAY October 10, 2008
Vitamin D Linked to Overall Health - [10/10/08]
Summary: Vitamin D has been linked to improved overall health. This vitamin affects 36 organ tissues in the body including bone marrow, breast, colon, intestine, kidney, lung, prostate, retina, skin, stomach and uterus tissues. It has also been linked to improving immune systems, insulin secretion, heart health, blood pressure, muscle, brain activity, and decreased risk of cancer. For most adults 200-600 IU of daily vitamin D is recommended, but some experts recommend up to 2000 IU daily.
Comment: Vitamin D has previously been thought to improve bone health, but this study shows that it can affect all areas of health. By increased intake of vitamin D people with osteoporosis can experience improved health.
Read article - Medical News TODAY October 10, 2008
Medicare Eliminates Coverage for 10 "Reasonably Preventable" Errors - [10/02/08]
Summary: New regulations, which will take effect next Wednesday, have Medicare halting payment for 10 errors which they have deemed "conditions that could reasonably have been prevented." Expected to affect hundreds of thousands, the new rules will mostly likely not result in a major reduction in expenses.
Comment: This new decision comes on the heels of announcements by four state Medicaid organizations last year in which they eliminated 28 "never events", preventable errors, from coverage. The trend seems to be growing and could have negative ramifications for millions of Americans. Among others, healthcare professionals have begun expressing concern about the decision.
Read article - Medical News Today. October 2, 2008.
Efforts to Reduce Ethnic and Racial Disparities - [09/29/08]
Summary: This article outlines current efforts are being made to reduce racial and ethnic health care disparities. These include the Respira program, which focuses on providing asthma education and outreach to Hispanic communities. Another program is a lecture that seeks to improve knowledge of blood pressure management and diabetes. Other efforts involve grants to increase levels of minority students in medical programs, and campaigns to increase medical literacy in minority communities.
Comment: Racial and ethnic disparities exist in most areas of medical care including osteoporosis. These disparities can often be dangerous to the health of minority people. These programs are aiming to close the gaps in health care, which can result in better care for people with osteoporosis.
Read article - Medical News TODAY September 29, 2008