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Show The Park Record Wed/Thurs/Fri, July 20-22, 2005 B-9 HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH n c ountain by Joan Jacobson Osteoporosis: Fosamax found safe after 10 years In an article by Jane Brody in the New York Lest you are wondering why I am writing this who were studied for three years, and was article on Fosamax, I want to assure you that it is extended several times to follow 247 participants Tunes (July 5, 2005), il is also reported that safe and good tor your bones. Many of you who for 10 years. All were posl-menopausal women Fosamax is a non-hormonal drug that has now arc currently taking Fosamax, and those of you with osteoporosis, ages 44 to 84 at the beginning been studied in more than 17,000 patients in ranvjfro might be contemplating taking it, may want of the sludy, At the completion of the study, the domized clinical trials. It was first approved by to read about the current research and support women who took Fosamax had an increase in the Food and Drug Administration in 1995 for the prevention of osteoporosis. from the medical profession in 2005. This is after bone density in the spine, hip and lliigh. 10 years of study, both here and abroad. 'Ilicre Dr. Robert Recker, an endocrinologisl at Fosamax and the other bisphosphonates are other similar medications for those who have work by slopping cells called osleoclasts from Creighlon University in Omaha, says that his been diagnosed with osteoporosis such as breaking down bone. Breaking down of bone bone biopsy studies showed that women with Actonel and Boniva. 'llic current research find- and repairing it is a normal process. This process osteoporosis remodeled bone at rales comparaings reveal that all three drugs have been effec- is called remodeling or tissue turnover. The ble to three of healthy pre-menopausal women. tive in reducing bone loss in pre- and post- turnover allows for repair of microscopic cracks This finding validates that there should be no rnenopausal women. Fosamax was the first in its and pits that routinely occur in everyone's bones. concern about suppression of bone turnover or Geld and, after 10 years, is still saving women As we age, the process of remodeling slows down repair when women take Fosamax. from bone loss and fractures. and the repair process is oflen not adequate to Dr. Recker and Dr. Ethel Siris, director of the osteoporosis center at New York Presbyterian Tliis spring, 77ie New England Journal of stop bone loss and fractures. Medicine (March IS, 2005) reported on the safeFosamax was well tolerated in the study. It Hospital, among others, agree that women with minimal bone density scores of minus 1.5 ty of Fosamax. The drug is declared a suc- and better, with no other risk factors, need cess in preventing the formerly inevitable not take the drug. The risk factors for osteobone loss for most pre- and postmenopausal women. It replaces estrogen Osteoporosis weakens bones porosis are smoking, thinness or a previous fracture. Rather, they should that was formerly prescribed to prevent and makes them prone to fractures, espe- non-traumatic protect their bones with weight bearing bone loss. You will recall that estrogen with progestin was associated with an increase of cially in the hip, spine and wrist. Of the 10 exercise, take calcium supplements with vitD, and have their bone densities breast cancer, stroke, blood clots and heart million Americans who have it, eight mil- amin redone a year later. The drug is prescribed if attacks in women who were taking the combination of hormones. lion are women. An additional 34 million the bone density score is a minus two, or if a with a minus 1.5 has a risk factor for In May, the study results were presented are at risk for the disease because of low woman osteoporosis. at the 27th European Symposium on bone density." Calcified Tissue. It was touted as the largest What more can I say? Fosamax or randomized, long-term study of an osteo^ ^ Actonel, taken weekly, and Boniva taken porosis therapy. monthly (relatively new dosage formulas), Osteoporosis weakens bones and makes should be used with caution in people who have have been shown to stem bone loss in those with them prone to fractures, especially in the hip, certain digestive disorders. However, Fosamax osteoporosis. Consult your doctor about getting a spine and wrist. Of the 10 million Americans who and the other bisphosphonates should not be bone density scan if you are in the pre- or poslhave it, eight million are women. An additional used if a patient has a problem in the esophagus menopausal stage in life. Fosamax and the other 34 million are at risk for the disease because of that delays emptying, or if he or she is unable to drugs may save you from painful fractures if your low bone density. The 10-year study was paid for stand or sit for at least 30 minutes. Furthermore, scan reveals loss of bone mass. You may nol by Merck, the producer of Fosamax. Two Merck Fosamax should not be used in patients with know you are at risk. This simple examination scientists are among the co-authors. 'ITie research severe kidney disease, low levels of calcium in could answer which course you might need to director is Dr. Bone (a fitting name). A question their blood, who are allergic to Fosamax, or those keep healthy and fracture free. of conflict of interest may make us skeptical, but who are pregnant or nursing. If a patient is expePark City resident Joan Jacobson, PhD, RN, Dr. Bone claims that he wrote the report himself riencing heartburn, difficulty or pain when swal- is an adjunct professor for the University of lowing or chest pain. Fosamax should be disconwith ho interference from Merck. Utah College of Nursing. She is the author of The study began'in 1991, with 994 women tinued and the doctor should be notified. Midlife Women. CLEANING SERVICES RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL • Repairs/Maintenance Services • High Ceiling Dusting • Serving Summit and Wasatch Counties Bonded • Licensed • Insured Call Today fora Free Estimate! _ PASSPORT . . . NOT REQUIRED! ENCHANTING EUROPEAN INN ROMANTIC FINE DINING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER - DAILY ELEGANT SUNDAY BRUNCH Officials urge caution with July 24 fireworks A cool, wet spring has delayed Utah's wildland fire season, but as temperatures rise, that could quickly change. As the July 24 holiday approaches, officials are urging caution in the use of fireworks. , "The July holidays are some of our most worrjsome times," says State Forester Joel Frandsen. "All fires need three things -oxygen, fuel and an ignition source - and fireworks are commonly that source of ignition." . While the wet weather has kept the fire danger relatively low, it has created a bumper crop of grasses in many areas of the/slate. "So, now we have another leg of the fire triangle that is out of the norm," notes Frandsen. "Grasses arc unusually tall and thick and coupled with fireworks, or other sources of ignition, we could see very large fires." Washington County is the only part of the state that currently has fire restrictions in place. Those restrictions prohibit open fires of any kind, except campfircs in approved fire pits and grills in improved campgrounds of permanent places of habitation. Devices fueled by petroleum of LPG products are still allowed in all locations. Smoking is also prohibited, except'in' an enclos^u vehicle or developed recreation site, or in an area three feet in diameter cleared of vegetation to mineral soil. Other prohibitions include any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition or other incendiary device. "We hope people haven't been lulled into complacency and forget that fireworks and vegetation are not a good mix," adds Frandsen. '"We want everyone to enjoy their holiday outings, but to do so safely. This is the year to be extra careful and cautious." For the latest in fire information, go to www.utahfireinfo.gov. ,.<••••• I REMEMBER OUR CHEF'S WEDNESDAY DINNER IS $24.95 FOR THREE COURSES & RESTAURANT 1235 WARM SPR1NCS ROAD MIDWAY, UTAH 435 654 14OO 2004 www. rheblueboarinn.com The Park Record. Reprints The Park Record introduces its new online photo reprint service > CLICK....IT'S YOURS!! 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