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Osteoporosis

Follow along on our year-long guide to Osteoporosis, an exploration of the latest recommendations and research on diagnosis, treatment, and management of this bone disease that is the major cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and in older men. Osteoporosis is caused by decreases in bone mineral density and bone mass, or changes in bone structure or strength. Each monthly installment of the Medical Journey will delve into another aspect of this "silent" disease, which typically has no symptoms or warning signs. Included will be information about risks, genetic factors, related conditions, treatment options, coping strategies, and lessons learned from unique case studies -- all of which have undergone expert review. Every installment will also include a separate, downloadable, printable information resource for patients.

Ƶ MedicalToday

New Insights Into the Complex Biology of Osteoporosis

–Synergy of genetic, intrinsic, exogenous, and lifestyle factors
Illustration of the letter i over a hand over osteoporosis
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Osteoporosis, the 'Silent Thief'

The Latest on Osteoporosis Treatment and Diagnosis

–Medications reduce fracture risk
Illustration of a stethoscope with an electrocardiogram in a circle over osteoporosis
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: What to Know About Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment

Osteoporotic Fragility Fractures

–Breaking a hip can be as lethal as a heart attack
Illustration of a broken bone inside a red hexagon with a red slash over the bone over osteoporosis
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Osteoporosis and Fractures

Case Study: First-Time Mom's Severe Low Back Pain After Breastfeeding

–Treating pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis was challenging, especially after complications from the initial therapy
Illustration of a written case study over a circle over osteoporosis

As Men Live Longer, Osteoporosis Looms Larger

–Time to close the awareness and screening gender gap
Illustration of a broken bone inside a male gender icon over a bone with osteoporosis
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Men Get Osteoporosis, Too

These Other Medical Conditions and Treatments Can Also Increase Osteoporosis Risk

–Inflammation, corticosteroids, and impaired nutrient metabolism fuel low bone density
Illustration of different images of medical conditions that can cause osteoporosis over a bone with osteoporosis
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Medical Conditions That Raise Your Risk of Osteoporosis

Talking to Patients About Osteoporosis

–Helping them understand the consequences of this brittle bone disease
Illustration of a hand holding a red plus sign in a speech bubble over a bone with osteoporosis
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Talking to Your Doctor About Osteoporosis

Shocking Case of Osteoporosis in a Teenager

–Perifollicular hemorrhage and low vitamin C helped diagnose an old, now rare condition
Illustration of a written case study over a circle over osteoporosis

Osteoporosis and Oral Health

–Antiresorptive therapy does not preclude bone-invasive dental surgery, but good dental health is crucial
Illustration of a tooth over a bone with osteoporosis
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: What to Know About Osteoporosis and Oral/Dental Health

Osteoporosis Patients Need Daily Physical Activity and 'Purposeful' Exercise

–Mix of exercise types is best to reduce falling and lessen fracture risk
Illustration of three forms of exercise over a bone with osteoporosis
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Exercising With Osteoporosis

Nutrition Can't Be Ignored in Osteoporosis

–As important a component in management as in heart disease
Illustration of four healthy foods over a bone with osteoporosis
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Osteoporosis and Nutrition

The High Cost of Osteoporosis

–Why prevention is also crucial from an economic point of view
Illustration of a dollar sign and red arrow pointing upwards over a bone with osteoporosis
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: The Many and Increasing High Costs of Osteoporosis