Main description:

This invaluable guide answers 218 questions from people with osteoporosis and their families. With helpful advice on every aspect of this common condition, this is an essential handbook for those diagnosed with or at risk from osteoporosis. Positive practical advice on every aspect of osteoporosis: how to strengthen bones and prevent fractures, plus guidance on lifestyle, work and holidays Information on the best ways to treat it, including advice on complementary remedies Detais of organisations, helplines and websites for advice, products and support

Contents:

Foreword by Dr Miriam Stoppard md frcp vii Acknowledgements ix Introduction xi CHAPTER 1 Osteoporosis: what is it, and how is it diagnosed? 1 Our bones 1 What is osteoporosis? 6 Hormones and osteoporosis 7 How is osteoporosis diagnosed? 12 CHAPTER 2 Who gets osteoporosis, and what makes it worse? 19 Who gets osteoporosis? 20 What might make osteoporosis worse? 27 CHAPTER 3 Prevention and treatment through lifestyle 41 Exercise 42 Diet 55 Other helpful measures 60 The battle against smoking 62 CHAPTER 4 Drug treatment 74 Bisphosphonates 75 Hormone replacement therapy 78 Calcium and vitamin D 87 Other treatments 90 Treating the pain and inflammation 92 Miscellaneous 95 v CHAPTER 5 Alternative or complementary remedies 98 Acupuncture 100 Alexander technique 101 Animal testing 102 Apitherapy 102 Glucosamine/chondroitin 103 Homoeopathy 104 Reflexology 105 'Natural' HRT 106 Progesterone cream 108 CHAPTER 6 Falls and fractures 109 Fractures 110 Falls 113 Moving to a care home 120 CHAPTER 7 Getting help 123 Help with medical needs 124 Help with work 127 Help for people at home and their carers 132 Help with furniture and equipment 136 Help for car users 137 Help with care homes 141 Help other than state benefits 142 Help making a complaint 143 CHAPTER 8 The future 145 New treatments 146 Research 148 GLOSSARY OF MEDICAL TERMS 150 GLOSSARY OF SOCIAL CARE TERMS 156 APPENDIX 1 Useful addresses and websites 161 APPENDIX 2 Further reading 178 INDEX 179 vi Osteoporosis: Answers at your fingertips vii