A Molecular Link Found Between Sodium and Calcium Loss
What's New
Stay up-to-date with the developments in research, what’s in the news, our opinions, and random thoughts. Our goal is to inform you of what we are reading, seeing, and hearing about to keep you abreast with the latest information on bone health (calcium, vitamin D, bone density), osteopenia, and osteoporosis.
Dr. Sally Ride: An advocate of bone health and science education
Astronaut Sally Ride, an American hero, lost her courageous battle against pancreatic cancer today.
Calcitonin in the firing line… linked to increased risk of cancer
News from the European Medicine Agency A committee of the European Medicine Agency, the Europe equivalent of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), investigated calcitonin and cancer risk. The committee’s evaluation and recommendation for action by the agency was released July 20, 2012. Note in the US, the brand names for calcitonin used in… Read more
FDA Issues New Safety Alert for Miacalcin (Calcitonin)
FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) issued a new safety labeling change for Miacalcin (Calcitonin-Salmon) Nasal Spray and Injection. Tremors were added as an adverse reaction. The accompanying product information that you receive with your prescription will have the following addition: ADVERSE REACTIONS Dermatologic/Hypersensitivity Central and Peripheral Nervous System: Tremor Source: FDA.gov
Top 10 Sources of Salt in Your Diet
What would you guess is the number one source of salt in your diet? Potato chips, pretzels, pickles? Well guess again! BREAD I was just as surprised that the number one food is bread. Wow! Why is that? Bread doesn’t taste salty, but the leavening agents put in bread products are the source of sodium.… Read more
Do Fractures Mean Bad Bones?
A fall from standing height is considered a fracture due to fragile bones. Typically a diagnosis of osteoporosis is made based on the fracture regardless of one’s bone density. But what if you break a bone from a fall from a ladder or are in an automobile crash? Or like our friend who fell through… Read more
Look Out Below
“OMG” was my husband’s reaction when he received news that his buddy broke several bones from a fall. This idyllic setting is fraught with many hazards. His buddy, a seasoned sailor, backed up not realizing his hatch was open. He landed on his back striking his upper back. An evaluation at the ER revealed he… Read more
Football Injuries Linked to Vitamin D
Vitamin D is linked with muscle function and performance. A new study shows low vitamin D even in professional football players. In a small study of a single NFL team, researchers included vitamin D levels as part of the routine pre-season evaluation conducted in the spring of 2010. Only one-fifth of the players had normal… Read more
Is Calcium Bad for the Heart?
The calcium controversy helps draw attention to bone health. That’s good! Lots of media over a study with lots of flaws and a “trivial result.” Here’s my opinion on the meta-analysis of calcium supplements and risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular events released yesterday on BMJ online first. ➤ Heart disease was not the focus… Read more
Putting Their Money Where Their Mouths Are
Insurance coverage for preventive services is changing with the new health care act. Our insurance plans have been crisis-oriented for coverage and reimbursement of preventive services. For instance, no problem paying for your hip fracture but not your bone density screening. Let’s see, one cost the system about $40,000 for surgery and post surgery care… Read more