Osteoporosis: Prevention and Management The importance of estrogen replacement therapy, calcium supplements, and exercise in preventing this disease is emphasized. by Judith M. Riffee
Osteoporosis is a major public health problem today. It is the most common bone disorder encountered in current clinical practice. This often painful and debilitating disease affects as many as 20 million Americans, the majority of whom are women. Osteoporosis is an age-related disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and marked by an increased susceptibility to fractures because of changes in the structure and strength of bone. With the ever-increasing size of the geriatric population, the disease is becoming an enormous clinical issue and is responsible for significantly high rates of morbidity and mortality. At least $7 billion are spent annually on the direct and indirect costs of osteoporosis. 1 The most important causes of this common disorder are slow bone loss resulting from changes related to the aging process, the menopause in women, and a variety of behavioral, environmental, and nutritional factors that affect bone mass in many people. A number of these factors are modifiable, particularly if they are recognized early in adult life. The pharmacist can provide valuable intervention strategies for this preventable disease. Innovative and creative educational programs by the pharmacist that reach the appropriate segment of the public are effective tools to inform individuals of modifications needed to minimize risk for the development of osteoporosis.
Some men develop osteoporosis, but in far fewer numbers than women and at a later age. A notable exception is the prevalence of osteoporosis in men with chronic alcoholism. Most men have greater bone mass than women at maturity CE Credit
CE Credit: To obtain two (2) hours of continuing education credit for completing "Osteoporosis: Prevention and Management," complete the assessment exercise and CE registration form and return it to APhA. A certificate will be awarded upon achieving a passing grade of 70% or better. Pharmacists completing this article within two years of date of issue can receive credit.
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The American Phannaceutical Association is approved by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education as a provider of continuing pharmaceutical education. ~ APhA provider number: '
Osteoporosis is a major public health problem today. It is the most common bone disorder encountered in current clinical practice. This often painful and debilitating disease affects as many as 20 million Americans, the majority of whom are women. Osteoporosis is an age-related disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and marked by an increased susceptibility to fractures because of changes in the structure and strength of bone. With the ever-increasing size of the geriatric population, the disease is becoming an enormous clinical issue and is responsible for significantly high rates of morbidity and mortality. At least $7 billion are spent annually on the direct and indirect costs of osteoporosis. 1 The most important causes of this common disorder are slow bone loss resulting from changes related to the aging process, the menopause in women, and a variety of behavioral, environmental, and nutritional factors that affect bone mass in many people. A number of these factors are modifiable, particularly if they are recognized early in adult life. The pharmacist can provide valuable intervention strategies for this preventable disease. Innovative and creative educational programs by the pharmacist that reach the appropriate segment of the public are effective tools to inform individuals of modifications needed to minimize risk for the development of osteoporosis.
Some men develop osteoporosis, but in far fewer numbers than women and at a later age. A notable exception is the prevalence of osteoporosis in men with chronic alcoholism. Most men have greater bone mass than women at maturity CE Credit
CE Credit: To obtain two (2) hours of continuing education credit for completing "Osteoporosis: Prevention and Management," complete the assessment exercise and CE registration form and return it to APhA. A certificate will be awarded upon achieving a passing grade of 70% or better. Pharmacists completing this article within two years of date of issue can receive credit.
I~
l
The American Phannaceutical Association is approved by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education as a provider of continuing pharmaceutical education. ~ APhA provider number: '
