| In the past , osteoporosis received relatively little | | | | on prevention, but instead, on treatment. |
| attention among medical professionals because there | | | | Like so many other medical illnesses, there are no |
| was so little that could be done to treat this condition. It | | | | signs or symptoms of this disease until it is manifested |
| has always been known how serious osteoporosis is | | | | by clinical problems resulting from its long term effects |
| (hip fractures, need for nursing home care etc.) but | | | | (spontaneous fractures etc.) . As a result , compliance |
| there was not much that could be done to change the | | | | with treatment programs for osteoporosis are poor, as |
| progression of the disease process. | | | | there is no perceived benefit to the patient until it is too |
| Over recent years there have been substantial | | | | late to make a significant difference in their prognosis. |
| advancements in the treatment of osteoporosis. There | | | | Be proactive when it comes to learning about |
| are now medications that have been proven to be | | | | osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about bone health. If |
| effective at actually increasing bone mass. | | | | you have a family history of osteoporosis it is even |
| Furthermore, there has been substantial progress in the | | | | more important that you address this topic at an early |
| evaluation and monitoring of the condition. | | | | age. |
| In the past, women's health care providers could only | | | | Years ago, it didn't seem to matter whether this |
| give their patients the following recommendations to | | | | problem was addressed as there was so little that |
| manage/prevent osteoporosis: | | | | could be done. I hope I am helping women (and men) |
| - take Vitamin D and calcium supplements | | | | realize that this is definitely not the case today. |
| - get sun exposure and exercise | | | | I simply want to raise awareness about osteoporosis. |
| - take hormonal supplements, if appropriate, based on | | | | There are extensive resources available on the |
| their medical history | | | | management of osteoporosis. Check out the many |
| Now , with the development of bone-building | | | | government-sponsored health organizations for more |
| medications and the advanced technology to monitor | | | | information. Hip fractures, in particular, account for so |
| bone density, the management of osteoporosis is | | | | much morbidity and need for nursing home care it is |
| approached very differently as the focus is no longer | | | | astounding. |