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Three recent research reports

1. The British find good news about Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis and Risedronate (Actonel).

A British study of risedronate (Actonel) and Osteoarthritis of the knee enrolled patients (40 to 80 years of age) with mild to moderate OA of the medial compartment of the knee. Results: "Risedronate (15 mg) significantly reduced markers of cartilage degradation and bone resorption (bone loss). Clear trends towards improvement were observed in both joint structure and symptoms in patients with primary knee OA treated with risedronate" (Actonel). If you have Osteoarthritis, you may want to read more about Actonel and/or talk with your physician.

2. Medications for hypertension and risk of fractures.

A Canadian Medical Association study shows that Beta blockers can join thiazide diuretics as lowering fracture risk. "Using a case­ control design, which included a large number of male and female patients of a wide range of ages. The authors have provided indirect evidence to suggest that ß-blockers and thiazide diuretics may decrease the risk of fracture by theoretically improving bone mineral content." Such a nice 'side effect' for those of us with high blood pressure!

3. Nursing home surprise.

If you have friends or relatives in nursing homes, a study by Shelly Vik, Colleen Maxwell, and David Hanley could raise a warning flag. These researchers did a limited study of nursing home residents and found that only 45.5% of those with Osteoporosis or recent fracture were receiving ANY treatment at all.

Of those receiving treatment 14% were receiving only calcium and vitamin D. 54.5% of thse with Osteoporosis or recent fracture were not receiving any approved Osteoporosis therapy at all.

August tips:

1. Walk the stairs whenever you can. Don't let your children or grandchildren 'baby you'. Carry your own groceries. Be faithful to your exercise program. Remember that a sedentary life can increases bone loss.

2. If you take supplements, you may want to check out Vitacost. I am really impressed with this company. Last month I found them when I was looking for a good source of Natural Strontium. This month I learned that they offer ADvocal, the brand of Calcium I use . . . at half the cost I had been paying! Same pills,same manufacturer - just a better price. (I put a link to Vitacost on the Osteopenia Products link on the Navigation bar at: https://www.osteopenia3.com

In closing:

Special thanks to those of you who have been telling friends about the Osteopenia web site. Traffic increases each month!

If there are topics you want me to cover on the web page or in this newsletter, do let me know. Use the Contact Form - you can find it in the Index at the end of the Home page at www.osteopenia3.com