July 15, 2013
Some of my patients have an icky tummy. They are thin, anemic, and have osteoporosis. They have been evaluated for Lactose Intolerance, Crohn’s, Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Celiac...
June 25, 2013
TSH is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. This is the common screen for thyroid function. Thyroid function decreases with age, often suddenly. In women this often happens between 40 and 70. “Low thyroid”(hypothyroidism) is...
June 21, 2013
Patients often ask “What’s that for?” when I order blood tests. They understand that DXA is for Bone Mineral Density (BMD). They understand Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA) when I show...
June 8, 2013
A good question from a woman who had brought her mother in for treatment of osteoporosis with complications. I answered, “when you are as old as she is”, pointing to...
May 22, 2013
Sarcopenia (sar-co-pee-nee-uh) is decreased muscle mass and strength. Sarcopenia plays a major role in falls and fractures. Sarcopenia weakens bones. Sarcopenia, a relatively new concept, was discussed at the National...
May 9, 2013
If your Mom had Osteoporosis, you are also at risk for osteoporosis and fractures. If a parent had a broken hip, you are at increased risk of fracture. Choosing your...
May 3, 2013
This week a patient told me “I can’t have Osteoporosis, because I feel fine!” Osteoporosis is often silent. Osteoporosis can sneak up on you. You do not feel a thing...
April 13, 2013
Once again we are warned of the dangers of calcium supplements. Once again those studies cited prescribed supplements without regard to total calcium intake, including diet. What matters is total...
April 6, 2013
Glucocorticoid Induced OsteoPorosis is more common than we thought. Individuals with Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other inflamatory diseases often need Prednisone and other steroids (glucocorticoids). 3 months of Prednisone 5...
March 21, 2013
Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA) identifies many persons with Clinical Osteoporosis who are missed by DXA testing alone. How many? I reviewed my first 941 patients to have VFA with their...