"The Osteoporosis Book: Bone Health" Focuses On Fracture Prevention

Online, October 20, 2011 (Newswire.com) - (Vancouver, BC) The Osteoporosis Book: Bone Health (third edition), endorsed by Osteoporosis Canada, is launched today in Canada. It is World Osteoporosis Day and November is Osteoporosis month in Canada. The new release, focusing on fracture prevention, empowers Canadians to take charge of their bone health. Osteoporosis causes an estimated 80% of 30,000 hip fractures annually in Canada. Sadly, less than 20% of women and 10% of men are appropriately tested after an osteoporosis-related fracture. Hip fractures related to osteoporosis result in death in up to 30% of cases and 23% of patients who fracture a hip die in less than a year. Osteoporotic hip fractures consume more hospital bed days than stroke, diabetes, or heart attack combined.

The Osteoporosis Book explains how bones work, how to prevent bone loss and fractures and how bones are affected when one has osteoporosis. It helps one understand what is going on inside the body and the outcome of key lifestyle choices. It helps in finding the right questions to ask a health professional in order to make informed decisions about one's bone health.

Fracture risk assessment online tests are featured that help to explain and determine what specific risk factors influence one's bone health and assesses risk of fracturing. The book further details how hormones, diet and exercise affect the bones, explains current treatment options and provides key diet, lifestyle and exercise management tools.

The Osteoporosis Book further provides information about individualizing a bone health care plan and post-fracture plan. It also helps to sift through media headlines and includes a more detailed glossary and case studies for perspective.

Osteoporosis is a major health and economic problem and is increasingly common with age in both men and women. In Canada, 2 million people are living with the disease. At least one in four women and one in eight men over the age of 50 suffer from low bone density or osteoporosis. A 50-year-old woman has a 40% chance of developing hip, vertebral or wrist fractures during her lifetime. The cost to one's family and quality of life
is significant.

The cost to the Canadian health care system of treating osteoporosis and the fractures it causes is approximately $1.9 billion annually.

A nurse, pharmacist and rheumatologist, each bringing an informed perspective to this multi-faceted resource, author the book. Internationally recognized health experts on osteoporosis have reviewed The Osteoporosis Book, authored by Gwen Ellert, RN, John Wade, MD, and Allan Low, PharmD.

The Osteoporosis Book: Bone Health retails for $24.95 and is available through all major bookstores. Visit www.osteoporosisbook.com