National Osteoporosis Society - Osteoporosis Forum / Osteoporosis Forums / Books & Information

Alkali recipes

Sarah W — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:31:41 GMT

I am sure we all have our favourite recipes - I know I do, but I have just found this site for alkali recipes.

http://acidalkalinediet.com/recipes//index.php Hope you enjoy it!

Sarah

Stontium: Interesting Article

Caff55 — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:17:08 GMT

Click link ( or cut 'n' paste) for interesting article relating to stontium:-

http://tahomaclinicblog.com/strontium/#art

Green tea

Eliza — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:10:23 GMT

Just wondered if anyone has an opinion on the report by Japanese scientists that the moderate consumption of green tea is beneficial to those of us with OP? It is alleged to contain a group of chemicals that slow down bone destruction and stimulate its formation.

http://medical-wiki.com/diseases/green-tea-could-naturally-prevent-and-treat-osteoporosis-scientists-say/

I don't know whether this is a reliable source, but virtually every site says the same thing. I read somewhere that to achieve this you have to drink about seven cups a day - but bear in mind it is a Japanese report and a cup is about 100ml!

Any comments?

Osteoporosis a Disability

Mairead — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:39:26 GMT

Need help for a friend that has been diagnosed with Osteoporosis and her employer says it is not a disability she also has osteoarthritis and cannot stand for long periods. Is her employer correct in saying that she has not got a disability.

Thanks for help.

Mega-blenders

Sarah W — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:41:09 GMT

Does anyone have a Mega Blender? I read about them in a article in the Daily Telegraph. I quote 'No matter how fibrous the fruit and veg, they emerge as if you had sieved them 20 times through silk'. Apparently this is achieved by the friction of the blades being so great it generates heat.

As alot of my meals revolve around using a blender I am tempted to buy one as I am getting rather red up with 'lumpy' vegetable smoothies. The drawback is the cost which is around £439.00.

But then I think 'As I will eating like this for the rest of my life - surely it is worth it?'

Does anyone have any experience of Vitamix or Blendec Super Blenders?

Goat's milk

AnneB — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:38:53 GMT

I've just found out that goat's milk is higher in calcium than cow's milk AND that goat's milk has an [b]alkaline[/b] load :)

So I'm going to put some goat's milk yoghurt in my shopping and see how it affects me. Dairy doesn't usually agree with me but I have found that fresh goat's cheese is sometimes okay so fingers crossed. I'm trying St Helen's Farm Goat's Milk yoghurt.

I was really surprised to find this out about goat's milk - surprised myself too to find that I continue to learn :hehe:

Buying supplements from USA

Amelie — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 21:26:57 GMT

I have just been told that the VAT limit on buying anything at all from USA has been reduced from £19 to just £15 so anything above £15 will now be charged with extra VAT. Be aware when you next order:angry:

Is water acid or alkali?

Sarah W — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 23:11:34 GMT

After reading a blog on the acidity of water, and that you should put lemon or lime into water to help make it alkali I tested my tap water with a PH strips.

The tap water is 7.25.
Tap water with lemon is 4.25

So does alkali tap water go acid once it has been drunk?
And does acid water go alkali once it has been drunk?

Very confused.

SarahW

Another 'definative' list of alkali food

Sarah W — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:38:31 GMT

Looking at the US OP site I found a post to this site - http://www.energiseforlife.com/acid-alkaline-food-chart-1.3.pdf - so I read it. I thought it was very interesting as it was not about the PRAL loading of food, but how the food you eat ends up as acid/alkali in your body.

Reading through the highly acidic food it explains why my PH is around 5.75 in the morning and alkali during the day... it's my weakness cocoa sweetened with rice syrup, both of which are highly acidic as is cow milk but not goat milk!

Also eat alot of fruit in the evening, and apples are also acidic.

Any comments?

Sarah

Aloe Vera drink - is it alkalising?

Sarah W — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:39:26 GMT

At great cost I bought some AV drink as it contains lots of 'good' things if you have OP. But I have been unable to find out any info about whether AV juice is alkalising? Does anyone know?

Thanks
Sarah

A few books and websites I have found useful

AnneB — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:56:38 GMT

Here are some books I have found especially useful for giving me information on osteoporosis and helping me help myself:

[b]'Osteoporosis, the silent epidemic'[/b] by Marilyn Glenville [url]http://tinyurl.com/csd6fo[/url] lots of information about different treatments.
[b]'Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis' [/b]by Alan Gaby [url]http://tinyurl.com/awon63[/url] A bit out of date regarding medications but absolutely tons of information about supplements and lifestyle.
[b]'Better Bones, Better Body'[/b] by Susan Brown [url]http://tinyurl.com/borktj[/url]
[b]'The Myth of Osteoporosis'[/b] by Gillian Sanson [url]http://tinyurl.com/bshqvh[/url] This doesn't say osteoporosis is a myth but it is a provocative title to make one understand that it's not just about DEXA scans.

These two books on exercise I have also found excellent:
[b]'Exercises for Osteoporosis'[/b] by Dianne Daniels [url]http://tinyurl.com/d9quum[/url] An easy to start with book with good illustrations
[b]'The Slow Burn' [/b]by Frederick Hahn [url]http://tinyurl.com/bpj8ap[/url] I refer to 'The Slow Burn' all the time for the weight lifting I do to help increase my bone density.

And here are some websites I've also found very useful (not counting the NOS website !) the first two packed with information about osteoporosis and the third one about vitamin D which is so important to bone health.
[url]http://courses.washington.edu/bonephys/ophome.html[/url]
[url]http://www.osteopenia3.com/index.html[/url]
[url]http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/[/url]

Anne

Lara Pizzorno - Your Bones

Sarah W — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:20:31 GMT

For all of us who are not taking presecription medication for OP a book is highly recommended on the US site on natural remedies. So I have ordered it an will see how it translates into UK 'speke'.

Hope it does, feel quite excited by this book.

Here is a link to the US site on which it was recommended http://www.inspire.com/groups/national-osteoporosis-foundation/discussion/new-book-just-out-a-lot-of-good-info/?ref=as&asat=8786947

Sarah

Vit K -the benefits

Sarah W — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:10:14 GMT

Somewhere on this site is a good thread on Vit K - but I cannot find it, even with a search! Can anyone direct me to the post about the different types of Vit K and the benefits of them?

Many thanks

Sarah

Some simple exercises

AnneB — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 12:35:08 GMT

Just found some simple exercises to help prevent fractures on the Better Bones website: Simple exercises to prevent a new fracture

Beds

chimples — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:27:35 GMT

I'm looking for a good bed for my 86 year-old father, who suffers from osteoporosis and recurring spinal fractures. We're thinking about an electric bed - the sort that would raise him up to help him get out of bed - and a memory foam mattress. Any suggestions on the best sort of mattress and bed would be very much appreciated.

Good job I like prunes!

Eliza — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:51:59 GMT

Here's another interesting article -

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818093048.htm

This site also carries another article on the green tea effect on OP.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916103424.htm

Off to buy some prunes! :)

Product Design Student Requests Help In Final Year Project

camilla.whitehead — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:27:58 GMT

Hello All,

My name is Camilla Whitehead and i'm a final year Product Design student at The University Of The West of England Bristol. For my final project I have chosen to look at the problems faced by people with osteoporosis, specifically regarding the huge numbers of those who break their hips to see if I could design a product which could prevent falling or reduce impact on the hip.

4 years ago, my Granny fell and broke her hip, she spent the rest of her life in hospital as a result of her injury. From my research so far, I have learnt that 1,150 people die every month as a result of a hip fracture, so in my opinion a product needs to be produced to try and decrease these huge numbers.

I have started doing research into products on the market and have only found 'hip protectors' which are built into underwear. I was wondering if anyone could help me with some more in depth research letting me know how sufferers of osteoporosis try and prevent falling, and if there are any other products on the market which you use. If you would like to contact me by email my address is camilla.whitehead@yahoo.co.uk

Any help with this project would be fantastic.

Many thanks

Camilla Whitehead

Osteoporosis Implant Treatment

Rosiejay — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:42:46 GMT

Hi, I am a "Newbie" and would like to say hello to everyone and I am looking forward to being part of the Forum to have a good chat!! Can you help me please. I have just had my third Dexa Scan, after two years, and the results show a definate change in my spine, hips, wrists and neck. Indicating an increased risk of fractures, worse that it should be for my age. I am not a happy bunny! I have tried Fosomax but had to stop that because of the side effects. I saw a consultant for another problem and he mentioned an implant you could have as treatment. Has any one heard of this and if so do you know what it is called? Until I find out about that I have decided to try Strontium Relate. Could anyone tell me if they sufferred many side effects from this please, I was particularly concerned when I read it could have an increased risk of DVT. I take Calcium/Magnesium and Vitamin D Spray. I ask this as I am very sensitive to lots of meds. I would be so grateful if anyone can help me. Many thanks.

Any books on natural remedies in the UK?

katie.m — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:47:23 GMT

Hi another new member here, not quite sure what I am doing. Could any other members please tell me if they know of any publications in the UK that help with Diet,Vitamins and Exercise? All I can find are books in the USA. I have been prescribed Alendronic Acid but having tried it because of my GRD it makes me very ill.

Regards Katie M

Autumn 2011 issue of Osteoporosis News OUT NOW!

Dom — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:09:50 GMT

Hi all, just to let you know the Autumn issue of Osteoporosis News is out now. If you are not a member of the National Osteoporosis Society and would like to receive our magazine 4 times a year, you can join here.

Here's a little taster of what's in the current issue:

Medical News...

T’ai Chi may help prevent falls, study shows

The ancient art of T’ai Chi is often linked to a number of health benefits without there being much scientific evidence to back up the claims, but now a new study has found that the ancient Chinese exercise can help older people avoid falls and boost their psychological wellbeing.

The new overview and reappraisal of a number of existing studies, published recently in the

"We recommend T’ai Chi for older people for its various physical and psychological benefits", the study goes on to say.

Unusual (‘atypical’ ) Fractures and bisphosphonates guidance updated

The government’s medicines safety agency has issued an update on bisphosphonate use and atypical femoral fractures.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency updated its original advice from 2009, which found that the use of alendronic acid was associated with an increase risk of atypical stress fractures. At the time, there was insufficient evidence to show whether or not bisphosphonates did increase the risk of these unusual thigh bone fractures.

Real life stories...

Sheila Bex

For 74-year-old Sheila Bex, discovering that she had osteoporosis was a long and painful process.

Two years ago Sheila had severe pain in her hip and found she was barely able to walk. She went to her local A&E department to find out what the problem could be, was told she had groin strain and was sent home with pain killers.

"I couldn’t walk, so the staff nurse gave me a walking frame and sent me home in a taxi", Sheila says.

Twelve days later Sheila was still in a lot of pain and returned to her GP, who sent her back to hospital for an X-ray.

This issue’s Q&A: Lynda Candy

When did you first find out you had osteoporosis?

In July 2010 I broke my humerus (top of arm) having taken a bad tumble during a Murder Mystery event two days before my daughter’s wedding in Italy. Five months after my fracture the clinic at my local hospital sent me for a DEXA scan, which I thought was just routine – but the results revealed I had progressive osteoporosis.

What was your first reaction?

I was shocked as I felt pretty fit and healthy (apart from the broken arm, of course) and no mention had been made of osteoporosis before I went for the scan. After all, I thought anyone who had fallen like I did, from a height on to hard gravel, was quite likely to have broken something. I was presented with the results, which showed a T-score of -3.0 spine together with a FRAX tool probability of fracture result – at the time the most disconcerting thing was that I had no way of knowing what these results actually meant or how severe my osteoporosis was. I feel that the medical profession assume that all patients know how to interpret the results they are presented with; all I was told was "if I had your scores I would take the tablets"! I was too stunned to ask any questions about what the diagnosis actually meant to me. Luckily I was given some National Osteoporosis Society leaflets and once it had all sunk in I was able to start to deal with the condition. My first step was to join the National Osteoporosis Society.

In-depth features:

Making the most of sleep

Everyone knows the effects of having just one night of poor sleep on our mood, energy levels and concentration, and how we can spend the rest of the day feeling weary and grumpy. Few will disagree that sleep is essential for good physical, mental and emotional health. A good night’s sleep can, however, be elusive for a whole range of reasons such as stress, worrying and intrusive thoughts, pain, hot flushes and loneliness. Unfortunately, many of those coping with the pain of osteoporotic fractures are also only too familiar with disturbed sleep and restless nights. So what can be done to help us sleep better? Read on to find out more…

Making the most of your bedroom:

• Create a calm and peaceful environment in the bedroom. Consider using gentle, pink soft-toned lighting, which encourages rest.

• Keep the bedroom temperature on the cool side. It can be harder getting off to sleep if it’s too hot or too cold, although most people have problems with feeling too hot.

• On hot summer nights open a window to bring in cooler air and place a fan on the floor to circulate the cool air (which naturally falls to ground level).

• If you feel cold and don’t warm up easily, putting a covered hot water bottle in the bed or turning on an electric blanket works better than piling on heavy bed covers. Heat also helps to ease painful areas and tends to make us feel drowsy so may be beneficial even in those who don’t generally feel the cold.

• Feeling safe at night is essential and can sometimes be a particular concern for those who live alone. A personal alarm worn around the neck or a phone by the bed with phone numbers of family, friends, NHS Direct or the out-of-hours doctor’s service can increase feelings of security.

Expert answers to your questions:

I have an injection of Depo-Provera every 12 weeks, which suits me as a form of contraception. On the information leaflet that I have been given by the nurse it says that this injection may increase my risk of osteoporosis. Can you give me any information about this?

Medroxyprogesterone injection (Depo-Provera) is a progestogen contraceptive injection that is administered every twelve weeks. It works by releasing progestogen (a synthetic version of progesterone) slowly into the body. As a response to this, oestrogen levels are reduced and the ovaries stop releasing eggs.

Oestrogen helps to maintain bone strength in women, so lowering levels of oestrogen may reduce bone density and ultimately lead to an increased risk of fracture. Bone density loss in postmenopausal women is known to substantially increase the risk of fracture; however, low bone density in younger people has less significance because bone is generally of better quality in this age group. There have been small research studies suggesting Depo-Provera increases fracture risk although more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Evidence suggests that bone density starts to recover when Depo-Provera is stopped; however, the extent of recovery has not been confirmed and it is not clear whether this is connected to the duration of treatment.

You do not mention your age but this is one of the factors that should be considered when deciding whether Depo-Provera is the best form of contraception for you. For example, during adolescence bones are growing rapidly and, as the long-term effect of medications that reduce bone density in this age group is unknown, other forms of contraception might be preferable. Women who are nearing the menopause may already have lower oestrogen levels and so this may not be the best choice of contraception for them. Some doctors consider giving oestrogen, as a medication, alongside the injection as this may help to keep bones strong, although the benefit is still uncertain and, for some women using Depo-Provera, there are medical reasons for not taking oestrogen.

As with any medication it is important to evaluate the risks and benefits on an individual basis. If you have other significant risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture – for example if you smoke, have a low body weight, are taking corticosteroids for another medical condition or have broken bones easily – then you may be advised to choose another form of contraception. Sometimes a bone density scan may help with decision making for those with risk factors.

Plus……All the latest news, your letters, fundraising initiatives, osteoporosis in children, our 25 words for a breakfree future campaign and much more...

Bisphosphonates Information

Caff55 — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:19:18 GMT

Hi All,

Some interesting reading on Bisphosphonates.

http://www.healthwatchersnews.com/2010/02/bisphosphonates-bone-strengtheners-or-bone-hardeners/

Natural Remedy for Osteoporosis

Rollover Bones — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:56:01 GMT

Having been diagnosed last year with fairly severe osteoporosis and having led a healthy active lifestyle and good diet I was devasted and even more so to read about the possibility of having something like an anurism because I have taken and still take vitamin supplements. I am not happy at all with the AA although no side effects have visibly arisen so far and now plan to come off it. How can we manage this complaint naturally? It seems so complex when we eat the right things and do the exercise but even so are not able to tell if the balance of nutrients is right and is being absorbed. It seems the NHS want to dole out drugs and we have nowhere to go for trustworthy natural cures advice and reassurance.

Rollover Bones

Which type of calcium?

Sophie — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:20:50 GMT

I have read that calcium citrate is better absorbed, but my GP has prescribed calcium lactate pentahydrate and c. phosphate. Can anyone tell me what this is. Thanks. I am 72 and have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Advice needed on supplements

Sarah W — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:20:55 GMT

Can anyone give information on the supplements to take to prevent OP from getting worse, and the 'brands', they use. I was taking Osteo Support from the Natural Health Practice, but they are very expensive. (£48 for 60) And my GP told me to go to Holland and Barratt.

But all the supplements they sold were with 'carbonate' not citrate. 'Carbonate' is the 'cheap' form of the supplement.

I currently have Vit D which I buy from the US as it's in an oil gel, Cod liver Oil capsules.

Any info about what other people take would be much appreciated.

Thank you
Sarah

Low vitamin D levels in UK again

AnneB — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:38:24 GMT

More in the news about low levels of vitamin D in the UK: www.bbc.co.uk/news/health

I know the article is focused on pregnant women and babies who are deficient but this is indicative of the rest of the population.

Book recommendation

Lulu — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:23:58 GMT

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone can recommend a book with lots of detailed information on acid/alkaline foods and diet? I'm trying to modify my daily diet but would like some indepth information.

Thanks

Lulu

PLS HELP!anyone diagnosed young,but stil managed 2 live normal life sinc??

freemo — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 20:59:48 GMT

hi there
i have just been diagnosed with osteo at age 25. i have not fractured yet, but i am so so scared of the future and how debilitating my life will be. i was wondering if there is anyone out there who was diagnosed with osteo young, but has been able to still live a happy life without too much pain and without loads of fractures?? i.e have any tretaments/meds/programmes you have undertaken managed to prevent you from having to live a life like this? i cant get visions out of my head of my life from now on being a life of pain, continuous fractures and disability. i am so scared.- i was therefore hoping that there might be some poeple out there whom has had osteo since a young life but has managed to prevent their osteo from taking over their life in this debilitating way? thank you xx

NOS meeting in Oxford Tuesday 12 July 2011

Sarah W — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:41:49 GMT

A friend phoned me to ask me if I was going to an NOS meeting at the Nuffield Orthopedic Hospital on Tuesday 12 July. Apparantly its a discussion on all aspects of OP and the doors are open at 6.30 for tea and coffee (have they not heard about caffeine and OP) before a discussion that will end at 9.00.

Just to let you know - as I had no idea and I live in Oxford and go the Nuffleld OP clinic!

Problem sourcing curly kale

Janet H — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:47:27 GMT

Sainsburys have stopped selling curly kale! I went along today for my usual 2 packets and was advised that the company have stopped selling it nationally. It's such a good source of calcium that I am disappointed. I was advised to contact the Sainbury's Helplline to request that they reinstate it. The number is 0800 636262 if anyone else would like to register their disapproval at the decision. It is my nearest supermarket and I am looking around for other suppliers.

Also can anyone advise me if we have collard greens, mustard greens and turnip greens in this country?

Vitamin D again, from the government this time !

AnneB — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:09:08 GMT

Apparently in our government we have an [b]All-Party Parliamentary Osteoporosis Group[/b] ! I never knew that ! Anyway, I just read this good article about a report from them in the Mail:

[i]Need not apply: Get 20 minutes of sun a day (without lotion) 'to help beat brittle bones'
By SOPHIE BORLAND

A group of MPs have said 20 minutes unprotected in the sun is actually good for you.
Britons should spend up to 20 minutes in the sun every day to protect their bones, according to MPs.
There are fears that rising numbers of elderly people are suffering fractures because their bones have become weak due to a lack of vitamin D.
Now a report by a group of MPs is recommending that everyone spends ten minutes in the sun without protection once or twice a day during late spring and summer.
The advice goes against major public health campaigns that have urged people to stay out of the sun during the middle of day in summer and apply sun cream.
But the All-Party Parliamentary Osteoporosis Group warns that if people are completely avoiding the sunlight when it is strongest they risk not getting enough vitamin D.
Elderly people in care homes or hospital are at particular risk of vitamin D deficiency as they are often immobile and cannot get outside, according to the report.
For this reason, it is crucial doctors and carers ensure they have a nutritious diet and are given vitamin D supplements to protect their bones, it adds.
Britain has one of the highest rates of hip fractures in the EU – up to 75,000 each year.
This figure has risen by almost a fifth in the past decade and the vast majority occur among the elderly. As the injury is so debilitating, many will never recover and a third die within a year.
The report warns that fractures caused by weakened bones and osteoporosis are now a 'major public health concern'.
But it points out there are simple steps people can take throughout their lives to keep bones strong.
Everyone should spend ten minutes once or twice a day in the sun from May to September without sun cream, making sure their arms and face are fully exposed, the report says.
They should also do 20 minutes of 'weight-bearing exercise' three or four times a week.
It urges people to eat a healthy, balanced diet, rich in calcium and vitamin D, avoid smoking and only drink alcohol in moderation.
Osteoporosis and resultant hip fractures cost the NHS around £2.3billion a year. Every year there are around 300,000 fragility fractures – breaks due to weakened bones.
This compares to 275,000 heart attacks and 110,000 strokes.
James Cooper, of the National Osteoporosis Society, said: 'More needs to be done to ensure that people have a clear understanding of what is required for strong bones.'[/i]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2006035/Get-20-minutes-sun-day-help-beat-brittle-bones-say-MPs.html

email survey, but no link?

simon — Mon, 09 May 2011 22:43:53 GMT

anyone else get an email asking this: >>>> (Please help by completing the National Osteoporosis Society survey) but with no link to the survey!
it came from : j.hobbs@nos.org.uk; ;)

Vibration Machines

FredS — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:30:04 GMT

Hello

I've been reading through the leaflet provided by the society about the vibration machines. I have a quick question though - it mentions Juvent but I am sure I have read somewhere else that they aren't in business any more. Is this right?

I have found this site [url=http://www.livtherapy.eu/]www.livtherapy.eu[/url], does anyone know anything about it?

Thank you
Fred

Vitamin D article in today's Telegraph

AnneB — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:22:58 GMT

Good article about vitamin D in today's Telegraph:www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8437550/Are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-D.html

Adcal D3 Dissolve

SusanR — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 10:33:57 GMT

Does anyone take Adcal D3 Dissolve (Effervescent form)?
My sister was talking to a drug rep at work yesterday about calcium supplements and the rep mentioned the above which we didn't know existed. Same dose as the chewable version but they reckon it may be better utilised & tolerated, especially if you have reflux.
Does anyone have any experience of it?

Summer Osteoporosis News OUT NOW!

Dom — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:28:26 GMT

Hi all, just to let you know, the Summer issue of Osteoporosis News is winging its way to members and is available to new members now.

Highlights this issue include:

Medical News...

Rib fractures in older men should prompt osteoporosis evaluation

Rib fractures in older men are often associated with risk markers for osteoporosis, such as low bone density and a history of fracture, according to a report in the British Medical Journal. In light of these findings, Dr Elizabeth Barrett-Connor from the University of California, San Diego, and her co-authors conclude that “rib fractures should be considered to be osteoporotic fractures in the evaluation of older men for treatment to prevent future fracture”.

The researchers analysed data on 5,995 men from 6 regions in America, all at least 65 years old and belonging to the prospective Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) cohort. Every 4 months, for an average of 6 years, they completed postal surveys regarding falls and fractures.

Study examines link between bisphosphonates and femur fracture
The occurrence of an unusual type of fracture of the thigh bone is very low in patients with osteoporosis, including those treated with bisphosphonates, according to a new study from scientists at the University of California, San Francisco. Individual cases of these unusual fractures have been previously reported in association with bisphosphonates use but there has been a lack of data from research trials.

The new study is the first to take a proper look at these unusual fractures and combines data from three bisphosphonate trials involving more than 14,000 patients

Real life stories...

Sheila Hills

Around two years ago, I was out and about when I stepped off a curb and lost my balance. I started to fall backwards but was caught by a relative, which was fortunate, but I heard an almighty crack and realised I must have broken something.

Sheila says, as a result of her fall, she did a “ridiculous amount of damage,” fracturing her leg and ankle. She felt something must be wrong so, with help from relatives, found some information on the National Osteoporosis Society website and spoke to one of our Helpline nurses.

Soon after this, Shiela went for a DXA scan which confirmed she had osteoporosis. The news came as a shock, and Sheila says she had not been aware of any risk factors that may have been behind her diagnosis

Q&A: Gillian Smith

When did you first find out you had osteoporosis?

I found out I had osteoporosis about five years ago when I was 55. I have a strong family history of the disease. My mother had a ‘dowager’s hump’ for as long as I can remember, although osteoporosis was never mentioned. She always nagged me to “stand up straight, or you’ll have a back like mine”. Mom’s sisters probably had osteoporosis too. I asked the doctor for a scan because I was afraid I would follow the family trend.

What was your first reaction?

I was disappointed, but not surprised when the results showed my spine and hips were in the range of five and ten years older than they should be.

In-depth features:

Holiday Time

Summer is here again and no matter what the English weather may hold for us over the next few weeks, many people will haveeither been looking forward to getting away to sunnier climes, or enjoying a glorious break somewhere in the UK.
For people and their families who are affected by osteoporosis, making sure you’ve made the right choice of holiday is an important decision. If you’re planning on heading abroad, the first thing you may need to consider is holiday insurance.
New card scheme

If you are travelling within continental Europe you will now be required to be in possession of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – the card which replaced the old E111 paper in 2006. The new card allows EU nationals to obtain the same level of healthcare as a local resident in a member country when travelling. The new card scheme covers short-term trips around Europe and Switzerland, but only covers basic national healthcare as received by local residents and does not cover those living permanently outside the UK. The new card does provide the user with essential care needed for the length of stay, which means that in cases of travel with existing/chronic medical conditions non-emergency care will also be provided.

Expert answers to your questions:

Helpline Queries:

Is it true that vitamin K is important for bone health and if so, does it make a difference if I take vitamin K supplements or can I obtain enough in my diet?

Vitamin K is best known for its role in blood clotting, but it may also help maintain bone strength. It plays a role in the alteration of a protein called osteocalcin which influences bone-building. We obtain vitamin K from food (vitamin K1 or phylloquinone) but it’s also produced by bacteria in our intestines (vitamin K2 or menaquinones). As vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, any excess in the body is stored in the liver for future use. Vitamin K deficiency is extremely rare in healthy adults and seen only in those with malabsorption problems or severe liver disease.

Adults need approximately 0.001 mg per kg of body weight a day. Dietary vitamin K1 is an important source. It can be obtained from a varied and healthy diet containing plenty of green leafy vegetables, parsley, vegetable oils such as olive, soybean and rapeseed oils and cereals. Lesser amounts are present in dairy
products, meat and eggs. It is readily absorbed. The availability of
vitamin K to the body is the same for both raw and cooked
broccoli and is unaffected by the fat content of a meal.

If you are a member and you've had your copy of Osteoporosis News, please reply and let me know what you think of the current issue. I'm always looking for ways to improve the magazine and all feedback is gratefully received.

Thanks

Dom

clothing.body image and osteoporosis

Di — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 15:04:02 GMT

Please can anyone help me to access this new leaflet.Have tried on site but unsuccessful
I would like some ideas as to how to feel less awful in whatever I wear!
Have a wedding coming up and at present dont feel like going! Hunched 4'11" now with an expanded girth!Also wary of heels in case of tripping or falling!

Any ideas please.
Thanx

Humdingers - snacks for OP

Sarah W — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:32:29 GMT

Looking at all the food you cannot eat in supermarket is dire - so I rarely go.

Today I did and found http://www.humdinger-foods.co.uk/ThingsWeMake/VeggieSnacks.aspx (in Tesco). They are roasted soys beans with a tiny amount of salt! Imagine that - a snack that someone with OP can eat!

Just thought I'd pass on this trite bit of cheerful info .....

Sarah W

Don't take calcium with whole grain cereal

Lynne H — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:09:10 GMT

Hi Folk

I thought this may be of interest to anyone buying calcium supplements. I've received this E mail from the manufacturer of my prescription Calcium/Vit D3 (Calcichew) It states:

"The tablets should be taken just before, during or just after each meal. Tablets may be chewed or sucked.

Oxalic acid (found in spinach and rhubarb) and phytic acid (found in whole cereals) may inhibit calcium absorption through formation of insoluble calcium salts. The patient should not take calcium products within two hours of eating foods high in oxalic acid and phytic acid!

Guess what! I have been taking my 'first one of the day' with my breakfast, of whole cereals, for months. My pharmacist insists on transfering the tablets into a child proof bottle which doesn't state the above instructions. It was only when I complained that I had problems opening them that I actually saw the original bottle. The part about the cereal was very well hidden within other information. There is also no mention of the vit D3 needing a meal containing fat for absorption. No wonder we get confused and tablets don't work.

Khoplasty

pudsey bear — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:09:27 GMT

Hi all, Just to update you everyone, i have my pre assement for my op on wednesday after seeing my spinal surgeon, should be able to tell me the date when i go, getting scared now things are moving, but am in such pain it will be a blessing. Let you know when i get my date, take care all you OP people, and dont get any spinal fractures, as this is what will happen to you. 15months of pain 24/7, best wishes to you all and my two buddies who have kept me going since i joined the forum late last year, Pudsey bear xxxxx

SuperSlow weight lifting for osteoporosis

AnneB — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:24:45 GMT

[quote]An exercise theorist by the name of Ken Hutchins developed SuperSlow for use in a research project on osteoporosis conducted by Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries and the University of Florida. Since elderly women with frail bones were the research subjects, special care had to be taken to reduce the risk of injury. If not done cautiously, lifting weights might cause fractures in the thinned bones of these women. Fractures would occur if the weakened bones encountered any force that exceeded their structural integrity. However, for reasons discussed in the previous chapter, enough weight had to be used to produce a rate of fatigue that would result in meaningful inroading. Mr. Hutchins had to find a way to use enough weight to be meaningful, yet still keep forces low enough to not cause injury to very frail subjects.

Ken and his co-researcher/wife Brenda turned to simple physics for the answer to their problem. The formula which describes force is F=M x A. Which means force equals Mass times Acceleration. Since the mass used could only be reduced so much without compromising inroading, force would have to be decreased by reducing acceleration. Acceleration is defined as the change in speed per unit of time. When you move a weight quickly, you go from a dead stop, to a given speed in a short period of time...i.e. you accelerate. When you change directions, you must stop and begin movement in the opposite direction, which again is acceleration. If you move more slowly the difference in speed from a dead stop to any point in the range of motion is less, therefore the change in speed per unit of time is less, and therefore, acceleration is decreased.

Exactly how slow to go becomes important. The average person can only move a weight so slow and be able to do it smoothly. If you lift the weight over 6-12 seconds, most people can produce smooth movement. If you try to lift it over 15-20 seconds, the weight cannot be moved smoothly. At this speed of movement, you actually have a series of stops and starts. When you stop and start like this, you simply have multiple little accelerations. So you want to use the slowest speed that produces the smoothest movement possible, because smooth movement indicates a constant speed. At a constant speed, there is no change in speed over a given unit of time, and thus acceleration is close to eliminated. With acceleration greatly reduced in the equation F=M x A, we can see that force will be greatly reduced. Furthermore, at this speed, changes in direction can occur smoothly and continuously which almost eliminates the acceleration at the point where you change direction from lifting to lowering and lowering to lifting.

You can now see one of the major reasons why I recommend Mr. Hutchin's SuperSlow protocol. It makes exercise safer. Stimulating physical improvements would not be worthwhile if you got hurt in the process.

Another reason I recommend SuperSlow is because it makes exercise harder. This was noted serendipitously in the osteoporosis study. The subjects seemed to gain strength faster than had previously been seen. The answer as to why became evident when they looked at the protocol in the context of inroading.

The process of inroading is not just dependent on correct resistance selection. For inroading to occur, the muscle must be continuously exposed to the resistance. If the muscle gets a respite from the resistance, then some of the slow twitch motor units can recover and thwart the inroading process. If you watch most people working out in a commercial gym, you will see that they are not lifting weights, they are throwing weights. We have a natural tendency to accelerate when we lift weights. The reason we accelerate is because we are trying to use momentum to make the task easier. Momentum is defined by the tendency of any object that is put into motion to remain in motion. An object is put into motion by an acceleration force. If the weight you are using to work out with is moving under its own momentum, then it is not loading the muscle. We instinctually accelerate the weight because the resultant momentum spares us of muscular loading and the consequent muscular fatigue. The less we use acceleration, the less the weight can move under its own momentum, and therefore the muscle is more continuously loaded. When the muscle is continuously loaded, inroading is increased.

Returning again to our safety discussion, we should note that we also decrease force by decreasing mass in our equation, F=M x A. The amount of weight we can use when we can't invoke acceleration and momentum to help us out is decreased. You simply can't lift as much weight as you can throw. So by using the SuperSlow protocol, you decrease force by decreasing both mass and acceleration.

So you can see why I recommend SuperSlow. It makes the exercise both harder and safer. Most importantly, it makes exercise harder and safer at the same time. While it may seem trivial at first glance, this characteristic is revolutionary in the field of exercise. In any other form of exercise, as you increase the difficulty of the exercise, you must also increase the forces involved. In order to make other forms of exercise more challenging, you have to make them more dangerous. When you start an aerobics class, you will usually begin in the low impact class. When you get in better shape and need more challenge, you graduate to the high impact class. Finally, when you are really moving up, you graduate to the step class. By the time you make it to this level, you may have to drop out because your knees, hips and back are hurting. How many times have you seen a substitute instructor in an aerobics class because the regular instructor is out with an overuse injury? If you go from walking, to jogging, to running wind sprints, the forces go up with the intensity...and disproportionately so. SuperSlow exercise will get you in great shape, and it won't get you hurt in the process.
M. Doug McGuff, M.D.[/quote]

[url]http://www.ultimate-exercise.com/pb3.html[/url]

A good book which shows this technique in practice with full descriptions and photographs is Fredrick Hahn's 'The Slow Burn' :
[url]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Slow-Burn-Fitness-Revolution-Exercise/dp/0767913868/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250616705&sr=1-1[/url]