The Complete Book of Bone Health

By Diane L. Schneider, MD

By 2050, the worldwide incidence of hip fracture is projected to increase in men by 310% and by 240% in women, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporosis, characterized by loss of bone mass, affects both—and often with life-changing results.

The Complete Book of Bone Health provides a comprehensive resource that presents information in a reader-friendly format. It covers aspects of osteoporosis that run the gamut from patient bone assessment, fracture risk evaluation, treatment options, nutrition basics, and complementary and alternative medicine to pain management.

It comes at a time when it’s more important than ever for physicians to inform their patients of the need to familiarize themselves with osteoporosis basics. It offers insightful details on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and the realities of living with osteoporosis.

The book is divided into segments detailing bone building and maintenance over a lifetime, diagnostic evaluation, diet and exercise’s contributions to bone health, bisphosphonates and alternative therapies, and bone health concerns with respect to conditions and diseases. Summary boxes called “The Bare Bones” appear at the end of each chapter to reiterate salient highlights.

One chapter offers specialized insight into FDA-approved medications used to treat osteoporosis, discussing their efficacy and side effects. The comprehensive information encompasses off-label uses for some medications and the possible need to consider drug holidays after specific periods on osteoporosis medications.

Author Diane L. Schneider, MD, cofounder of 4BoneHealth, serves as its acting executive director. As a geriatrician and epidemiologist, she has focused on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Her research findings related to lifestyle and risk factors for osteoporosis have been published in such medical journals as The Journal of the American Medical Association, Archives of Internal Medicine, Lancet, and Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

A valuable resource for physicians’ quick reference, it will be particularly useful to patients intent on maintaining and improving bone health, whether men or women. A wealth of information related to osteoporosis is contained in this comprehensive resource.