English health-care system failing to provide basic care, shows major survey Aug 15, 2008
The researchers also found that substantially more care was provided for general medical conditions (74%) than for geriatric conditions (57%), the latter comprising falls, osteoarthritis, urinary incontinence, vision problems (cataract), hearing problems, and osteoporosis. Interestingly, medical conditions that GPs receive extra rewards for dealing with under the Quality and Outcomes Framework of their current contract were attended to better. (EurekAlert!)
Cheap drug hope for breast cancer Aug 14, 2008
It used a dose of the drug doxorubicin, a common component of chemotherapy regimes, followed 24 hours later by zoledronic acid, currently given to osteoporosis patients. In the mice, this stopped 99. (BBC News -- Health)
Effects of Tibolone in Older Postmenopausal Women Aug 14, 2008
Conclusions Tibolone reduced the risk of fracture and breast cancer and possibly colon cancer but increased the risk of stroke in older women with osteoporosis ... From the San Francisco Coordinating Center and the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute (S.R.C.) and the University of California, San Francisco (S.R.C., B.E.) all in San Francisco; Universit; de Lyon and INSERM Research Unit 831, Lyon, France (P.D.D.); Amsterdam Free University Hospital, Amsterdam (P.K.); Organon,... (New England Journal of Medicine)
Tibolone and the Promise of Ideal Hormone-Replacement Therapy Aug 14, 2008
From the Calcium Metabolism and Osteoporosis Program, the American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. . (New England Journal of Medicine)
Acid reflux drugs may heighten fracture risk Aug 13, 2008
Drugs commonly prescribed to fight acid reflux disease may significantly increase the risk of fractures in people suffering from osteoporosis, a study by Canadian researchers reveals ... The findings also add fuel to other recent studies, which have suggested an association between proton pump inhibitors and osteoporosis-related fractures ... People with osteoporosis, a disease that affects bone density primarily in older women and men, face a substantially elevated risk of hip, wrist, spinal... (Globe and Mail)
Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Risk Of Bone Fractures, Study Finds Aug 13, 2008
12, 2008) Patients who use proton pump inhibitors for 7 or more years to treat reflux, peptic ulcers and other conditions are at greater risk of osteoporosis-related fractures, according to this large observational study of 15,792 patients published in CMAJ. ... "These factors may promote the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, leaving patients at increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures," write Dr. Laura Targownik and coauthors ... Laura E. Targownik MD MSHS, Lisa M. Lix PhD,... (Science Daily)
Low Vitamin D Levels Pose Large Threat To Health; Overall 26 Percent Increased Risk Of Death Aug 13, 2008
(June 11, 2007) People who are overweight tend to have lower levels of vitamin D, which may increase their risk of osteoporosis and other chronic conditions. New research indicates that reduced sun exposure does not. (Science Daily)
Hope for thousands of breast cancer sufferers as cut-price drug ... Aug 13, 2008
Working with Finnish colleagues, the British researchers examined the effect of using the doxorubicin, one of the most common breast cancer treatments, in combination with zoledronic acid, a member of the bisphosphonate family used to treat osteoporosis and ease bone pain in cancer patients. A doctor examines the mammograph (breast X-ray) of a female patient: The new drug costs one-twentieth of the NHS's preferred drug Herceptin. (Daily Mail)
Swinging for the Fences Aug 13, 2008
Testosterone ointment won some notoriety during the Barry Bonds steroids case; the slugger referred to his type of it as "the cream." Auxilium says its formula isn't anywhere near as potent as Bonds," but offers clear health benefits to the roughly 13 million American men with low testosterone levels. Apply the gel to your upper arms once a day and you may start gaining muscle, losing fat and becoming friskier in bed. Longer term, doctors say, testosterone therapy can curb the risks of heart... (SmartMoney)
Big bad steroids in the city (and kampong) Aug 13, 2008
Among the horrors they wanted to avoid were increased appetite and weight gain; deposits of fat in the chest, face, upper back and stomach; water and salt retention leading to swelling and edema; high blood pressure; diabetes; black and blue marks; osteoporosis; slowed healing of wounds; cataracts; acne; muscle weakness; increased susceptibility to infection; lowered immune system; stomach ulcers; mood swings; and depression. My heart ached when I read this list; so many of these things are... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Powerful Antacid Drugs Raise Fracture Risk Aug 13, 2008
MONDAY, Aug. 11 (HealthDay News) -- New Canadian research shows that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux, peptic ulcers and related disorders elevates the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures ... An option for patients who can't do without PPIs would be to add osteoporosis medications, added Dr. Elton Strauss, chief of orthopedic trauma and adult reconstruction at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City ... The authors of this study, from University of Manitoba in... (MEDLINEplus)
Combining Aspirin With Acid Blocker Reduces Bleeding Aug 13, 2008
Recent studies also have raised concerns about potential long-term side effects of PPIs community acquired pneumonia and hip fractures caused by osteoporosis although Saini says more study is need on this issue. Methodology: The researchers used a computer model to simulate the lifetime risk of ulcer bleeding events in patients taking aspirin, using available literature to estimate the risk. (Newsmax)
In shape to beat the heat Aug 12, 2008
"You want to do the weight training because that prevents osteoporosis and bone disease, and it makes you feel better all the way around," he said. "Plus, it helps you burn a little more fat.". (Brookhaven Daily Leader, MS)
HEALTH NOTES / Health Fair to offer prostate screening Aug 12, 2008
In addition to the regular testing of sight, hearing, cholesterol, osteoporosis and blood pressure, etc, we expect to have several new tests available. A recent trend is for pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and practitioners of all sorts to advertise their wares on public TV, newspapers, magazines, mailings, email and every other conceivable means of outreach. (Cohasset Mariner, MA)
Acid Reflux Pills Linked To Hip Fractures Aug 12, 2008
Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium And Other Heartburn Drugs Work Wonders, But Long Term Use Has Risks, Study Shows. WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2008. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Early Test for Cancer Isn't Always Best Course Aug 12, 2008
Hormone treatments can cause weight gain, hot flashes, loss of muscle tone and osteoporosis. It s just a needle stick, but the cascade of events that follows are fairly serious, Dr. Bach said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Prop 2 mandates cage-free chickens (16) Aug 11, 2008
However, birds in caged systems run much higher risk of osteoporosis because the birds are not given the chance to exercise, nor are they allowed to practice instinctual behaviors such as perching and nesting. Dr. Sara Shields, an expert in animal behavior with a specialty in poultry, said there are decades of research demonstrating that hens become distressed when they are not able to perform these instinctual behaviors. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
FDA Says Drug Stores Sold Expired Medications Aug 10, 2008
25 micrograms) -- osteoporosis. The FDA says consumers who have the medications from these pharmacies should call the FDA at 800-521-5783 for information on how to dispose of the drugs. (W-USA News, DC)
Whistle Blown On Medicare Scam Aug 9, 2008
Health company Kyphon has been accused of overcharging Medicare by forcing osteoporosis patients to stay overnight in hospitals for a simple one-hour procedure. Sharyl Attkisson investigates. (CBS News)
Obama begins weeklong vacation... Aug 9, 2008
Obama's grandmother helped raise him, but Obama has said osteoporosis keeps her from traveling and instead she follows campaign coverage closely on CNN.. He told reporters Thursday that time with the family was worth ceding the campaign spotlight to Republican rival John McCain. (The Drudge Report)
Major Minerals the Body Needs Aug 9, 2008
Calcium promotes strong teeth and bones, regulates blood pressure and clotting of blood, and also helps prevent and/or treat osteoporosis, PMS, and high cholesterol. The include: dairy products, fish such as canned sardines, and calcium-fortified foods. (Suite101.com)
The Dangers of Vitamin Megadosing Aug 8, 2008
Anything over that and the following may occur: liver damage, reduced bone density which may result in osteoporosis, central nervous system disorders. Also, pregnant women who take more than the RDA doubles the risk of giving birth to a child with birth defects. (Suite101.com)
Study Finds Hormone Therapy Benefits Women With Schizophrenia Aug 7, 2008
However, larger and longer studies are needed to confirm the benefits of estrogen, which is used to ease the symptoms of menopause and treat osteoporosis, the researchers said. Medication can control severe symptoms, such as hearing voices or angry or violent outbursts, although the drugs can cause serious side effects including weight gain, diabetes and movement problems. (AHN)
'Exercise Pill' Is No Replacement For Real Exercise, Expert Cautions Aug 7, 2008
Osteoporosis (decreases risk by 59 percent) ... Reduced osteoporosis. (Science Daily)
Aging Gracefully Inside and Out Aug 7, 2008
Regular physical activity provides endless advantages -- from reducing the risk of osteoporosis to increased energy and feelings of well-being -- even a brisk 20-minute walk several times a week can improve your overall health. Skin Deep: Although genes are a major factor in how skin ages, a great deal of visible aging also stems from environmental factors. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Aurobindo Pharma inches up on new drug approval Aug 6, 2008
Alendronate sodium tablets are used for the treatment of osteoporosis (bone disease). The annual sale of this tablets in US market were around $1982 million for the year ended December 2007. (NDTV.com)
Thousands riddled with bone disease Aug 5, 2008
MORE than 600,000 Australians are affected by osteoporosis but many may not know it until they break a bone ... A Picture of Osteoporosis in Australia was prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Osteoporosis Australia and the Department of Health and Ageing ... AIHW head of National Centre for Monitoring Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions Dr Kuldeep Bhatia said osteoporosis may be debilitating or even fatal. (NEWS.com.au)
Stop prostate exams at age 75, federal panel recommends Aug 5, 2008
Increased levels of treatment for prostate cancer in such men, the task force said, was to the serious detriment of their quality of life, with side effects including impotence, incontinence, weight gain, hot flashes and osteoporosis. 1. (Los Angeles Times)
The lowdown on eating disorders Aug 5, 2008
In the long term, severe kidney damage, blindness, osteoporosis and even death can be expected. 7. (Manila Standard Today)
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Senate approves voter registration on Election Day Aug 5, 2008
House 136-19, Senate 37-1, overrode Gov. Deval Patrick's $511,634 veto reduction (from $14,709,996 to $14,198,362) in funding for programs for the promotion of health and disease prevention including breast cancer prevention; screening for diabetes, ovarian cancer and multiple sclerosis; stroke prevention and education; prevention of hepatitis C, renal disease Lyme disease, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer; osteoporosis education and early detection and treatment of lung cancer and brain... (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Evaluation of Patients with a recent Clinical Fracture and Osteoporosis, a multidisciplinary Approach Aug 5, 2008
The aetiology of osteoporotic fractures is multifactorial, but little is known about the way to evaluate patients with a recent clinical fracture for the presence of secondary osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of contributors to secondary osteoporosis in patients presenting with a clinical vertebral or non-vertebral fracture ... In a multidisciplinary approach, including evaluation of bone and fall-related risk factors, 100 consecutive women (n=73) and men... (BioMed Central)
Anorexia athletica, the price that many female athletes pay for gold Aug 4, 2008
Her skeleton is weakened by osteopenia (a precursor to the brittle-bone disease osteoporosis, which usually affects post-menopausal women) and, as a consequence, she has been taking the contraceptive Pill, to provide bone-protective oestrogen, for the past ten years. She is to marry in December and would love to have children but is concerned about the long-term effects that undereating and overexercising may have had on her fertility. (Times Online)
Having a Mother with Osteoporosis Can Lead to Increased Risk for Spinal Fracture Aug 3, 2008
(ARA) - Of the 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, 80 percent are women, and having a mother with osteoporosis puts a daughter particularly at risk for fractures ... Her 90-year-old mother, Jewell Fondren, suffers from osteoporosis (a disease that causes bone to become weak and susceptible to fracture) ... She was also diagnosed with osteopenia or low bone mineral density that can lead to osteoporosis. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Study: Improve Your Kids' Bones By Including Enough Calcium Aug 3, 2008
Severe calcium deficiency can result in diseases like rickets in children and osteoporosis later in life ... The study, which appears in the August issue of the journal 'Bone,' found that those children who had inadequate calicum consumption prior to the start of the studies, meeting the calcium recommendations will actually help in reducing the risk of osteoporosis in themn during years ... "Since most children don't get enough calcium, meeting calcium recommendations may help to prevent future... (TheMedGuru)
Fat can kill Aug 3, 2008
We are already racing ahead of other nations by posting record incidence and prevalence of diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and so on. If we do not stem the obesity epidemic, we could be contenders for the cancer title as well. (Hindu)
Taylor's ill health played down Aug 2, 2008
She has broken her back five times, had a benign brain tumour removed in 1997, and suffers from the brittle bone disease osteoporosis. In 2004, the actress suffered from congestive heart failure, which compounded by spinal fractures and a curvature left her almost bedridden. (BBC News)
Vitamin D, bone health Aug 2, 2008
We do know that it is essential for calcium absorption and bone growth, and protects children from rickets and adults from osteoporosis. It also has other functions that are less clear such as regulating neuromuscular and immune function and reducing inflammation. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Noontime Kiwanis Club dinner aims to find cure Aug 2, 2008
Two years ago researchers at the FOP Collaborative Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, discovered the defective gene that causes FOP and thereby increased understanding of other bone-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and bone cancer. Dr. Frederick Kaplan, head of the small group of physicians and researchers at the laboratory, will be at the dinner and auction to discuss the gains in the search to find a cure. (Santa Maria Times)
Might science help stave off old age? Aug 2, 2008
People with Werner's go grey very young and develop cataracts, osteoporosis and other illnesses associated with advancing years. On average, they die at the age of 47, usually from cancer or hardening of the arteries. (Globe and Mail)
LegalView Offers Mesothelioma Blog Readers Details of Disconcerting Request to Decrease Asbestos Regulations from Industry Aug 2, 2008
Recent research, however, has found a disturbing link between the use of Avandia and an increase of heart disease as well as osteoporosis among patients. Individuals who feel they may have symptoms relating to heart disease or who have suffered from a bone fracture likely induced by the Avandia side effects, should speak with a medical expert immediately. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
New Shoes in time for fall Aug 2, 2008
The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates 300,000 people annually suffer hip fractures, which are often caused by falls ... Dr. Robert Lindsay, a professor of medicine at Columbia University and a trustee at the osteoporosis foundation, said to be of any use the iShoe would have to be affordable, durable, and collect data that's easy for physicians to read. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Something in the water Aug 2, 2008
Bone disorders (skeletal fluorosis, osteoporosis and arthritic pains) from fluoride in the water have been reported in the US. The 1984 issue of Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products lists fluoride as more poisonous than lead and just slightly less poisonous than arsenic. 1984. (Manchester Confidential)
Elizabeth Taylor put on life support Aug 1, 2008
She has had both hips replaced, had a benign brain tumour removed in 1997, and suffers from the brittle bone disease osteoporosis. Two years ago she appeared on Larry King Live, the American talk show, to dismiss rumours she had Alzheimer's. (India Times, India)
Walk This Weight, Inventor Says Aug 1, 2008
She worked with osteoporosis prevention programs in hospitals around the country, as well as gyms and college fitness centers. And she went to a lot of trade shows. (Yahoo News -- Exercise & Fitness)
Taylor's publicist plays down health scare Aug 1, 2008
Taylor - who suffers from diabetes and osteoporosis - has been plagued with health problems over the last few years. She was first diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2004 and has endured two hip replacement operations and the removal of a benign brain tumor in 1997. (WOKR13 Rochester)
Liz Taylor on life support Aug 1, 2008
Elizabeth - who has been married and divorce eight times - suffers from diabetes and is confined to a wheelchair because of her severe osteoporosis. She has had both hips replaced and had a brain tumour, which turned out to be benign, removed in 1997. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Women's Health Office Funds Cut Aug 1, 2008
It also produces heavily requested health information about menopause, pregnancy, birth control, osteoporosis and other topics. The administration had requested -- and Congress had budgeted -- $4 million for the office in fiscal 2007, just as they have for several years running. (Yahoo News -- Women's Issues)
Take baby steps to fitness Aug 1, 2008
"It's good for osteoporosis prevention," Stebbins said. It also can help with weight loss. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Calcium improves children's bone health significantly Aug 1, 2008
"Since most children don't get enough calcium, meeting calcium requirements may help to prevent future osteoporosis," Huncharek added. . (Sify.com, India)
Eurand Enters Agreement With Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd (South Korea) for Once-Daily Extended Release Muscle Relaxant Aug 1, 2008
Gastro-Intestinal (Minitabs(r) Pancreatin formulations) * Cardiovascular * Osteoporosis * Nutrition (Diffucaps(r) Vitamin C 500 mg Sustained Release capsules) * Respiratory * Pain Management (Diffucaps(r) Sodium Diclofenac Sustained Release capsules). Also, a variety of products are under further development using the AdvaTab(r) Oral Disintegrating Tablet (ODT) technology, including. (Primezone Releases)
Give children more calcium Aug 1, 2008
"In the US, dairy products tend to be the preferred source of calcium since diets that exclude dairy are often deficient in this important nutrient, he added. The new findings show that for those children who have inadequate calcium intake, increasing dietary calcium has a significant impact on bone development. Since most children don''t get enough calcium, meeting calcium recommendations may help to prevent future osteoporosis," he added. The study is published in the journal... (MSN India)
Shoes that warn you about a fall Aug 1, 2008
The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates 300,000 people annually suffer hip fractures, which are often caused by falls. An average of 24% of hip fracture patients age 50 and over die within a year of the fracture. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Daiichi Sankyo Profit Slumps 39% on Price Cuts, Gain in Drug Research Cost Jul 31, 2008
It's also paying more to work on medicines to prevent blood clots and treat osteoporosis as they reach later stages of development. If approved, prasugrel would compete with Plavix, which is sold by Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Sanofi-Aventis SA and had $8. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Hologic Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 Operating Results Jul 31, 2008
The AEG and MammoSite operations (the latter, formerly a part of Cytyc) are now included in Breast Health, and the osteoporosis assessment, mini C-arm and MRI products are included in Skeletal Health ... Hologic provides a comprehensive suite of technologies with products for mammography and breast biopsy, radiation treatment for early-stage breast cancer, cervical cancer screening, treatment for menorrhagia, osteoporosis assessment, preterm birth risk assessment, and mini C-arm for extremity... (PR Newswire)
New St. Francis focus on women, look for profit in 09 Jul 31, 2008
Other examples include breast cancer screenings and treatment of osteoporosis. Heart care will be another focus. (Crain's Chicago Business)
New study shows calcium significantly improves children's bone health Jul 31, 2008
"In the US, dairy products tend to be the preferred source of calcium since diets that exclude dairy are often deficient in this important nutrient. The new findings show that for those children who have inadequate calcium intake, increasing dietary calcium has a significant impact on bone development. Since most children don't get enough calcium, meeting calcium recommendations may help to prevent future osteoporosis." ... 2,3 Including at least 3 servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods... (EurekAlert!)
New Treatment For Advanced Prostate Cancer Jul 30, 2008
24, 2006) In a study to be published in the British Journal of Urology International, researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have shown that Raloxifene, a drug commonly used to treat osteoporosis, has a. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Stocks slide as financials again pull back Jul 30, 2008
48 after the company reported positive trial results for its osteoporosis drug candidate denosumab. Late-stage clinical trial results showed denosumab reduced the incidence of fractured vertebrae in post-menopausal women. (AZCentral -- Business)
New 26m hospital plans approved Jul 30, 2008
New diagnostic services will include on-site breast-screening, a scanner to diagnose osteoporosis and facilities for a mobile MRI scanner. Chairman of the trust, David Prior, said: "As an NHS Foundation Trust we are in the very welcome position of being able to use our new-found financial freedoms to invest money into a long-awaited new hospital for the people of north Norfolk.". (BBC News)
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Might Help Prevent Alzheimer's Jul 30, 2008
Aside from their known ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke, statins have other clinical benefits, such as fighting osteoporosis, Wolozin said. "The trigger [threshold] for taking a statin should be low, because they are generally helpful medications," he said. (MEDLINEplus)
Village on the Park hosting heart screenings Jul 30, 2008
Additional screenings can be added for a more comprehensive risk assessment and include C-Reactive Protein, a blood marker for vascular disease and diabetes; complete Lipid Panel including HDL/LDL and total cholesterol; Glucose, a measure of blood sugar level which can determine your risk for diabetes; and an ultrasound screening for Osteoporosis. Pick any four screenings for $140. (Friendswood Journal, TX)
Case of the Mondays: Dow Plunges 239 Jul 29, 2008
Amgen (AMGN) soared 12% on positive developments on a potential blockbuster osteoporosis drug, prompting several analyst upgrades. The biotech company said late Friday that a new trial showed the drug candidate, denosumab, was effective without a higher incidence of serious side effects than a placebo. (Fox News)
Bone Strength May Indicate Breast Cancer Risk Jul 29, 2008
-- Osteoporosis and breast cancer are two of the most common ailments affecting older women today, and there is a surprising paradox between the disorders. Women with weak bones have a higher risk for osteoporosis but a lower chance of breast cancer ... While women with strong bones have a low risk for osteoporosis but a higher risk for breast cancer. (KERO 23, CA)
You Docs: Natural ways to reduce your blood pressure Jul 29, 2008
" Or walk with your buddy. And no excuses: If there's a downpour, you walk; a hurricane, you walk; a blizzard, you walk. Do it in the basement, the playroom or the garage, but walk. You've got it: The changes that work best to reduce blood pressure are lifestyle choices: 60 percent of our patients are able to get off blood pressure meds completely if they do these things. Nothing replaces these changes, but you could try supplementing them with 200 mg a day of CO-enzyme Q10. A few studies have... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Amgen Shaking Off Earnings Anemia Jul 29, 2008
The stock saw a 12% gain on Monday, hitting a 52-week high, following the successful pivotal trial of denosumab in reducing fractures in post-menopausal osteoporosis patients. The news eased Wall Street's concerns over the drug's chance for regulatory approval in osteoporosis, but the degree of its commercial success depends on September data that will show how it stacks up against long-established and cheaper competitors. (SmartMoney)
