Did you ever try to imagine what our world will be like in the year 2050? While watching the news last night, I asked myself the question and, not surprisingly, my thoughts quickly led to – what else…our bone health. Even though increasingly negative news about osteoporosis drugs keeps popping-up in the media, we really don’t know what the long-term outcome will be. In other words, will doctors still prescribe osteoporosis medicines in the future?
With that in mind, I came up with two imaginary opposing scenarios for the year 2050, as reflected in a news broadcast. One is where the “cure” of osteoporosis and osteopenia revolves around prescription drugs, similar to nowadays. The second scenario pictures a world where everyone manages their health in a natural and drug-free way.
Oh! And please don’t forget that what you’re about to read is ONLY the product of my imagination. So join me on a time travel trip to the year 2050…
Here’s the first scenario:
BREAKING NEWS
Good news for those diagnosed with osteoporosis. Pharmaceutical giant Profit & Gamble announced today that the FDA has finally approved their new drug Cementex to treat advanced osteoporosis. Dee Seat, a spokesperson for the company, told WBS News this morning that “we are thrilled to launch our latest drug that will help millions afflicted with osteoporosis, a crippling and potentially deadly disease. Thanks to Cementex, we can guarantee to both women and men a fracture-free future”.
Unlike current osteoporosis treatments, Cementex requires only one dose that will last a lifetime. It is injected directly into the bones under light sedation, and the whole procedure typically takes no more than a couple of hours.
Ms. Seat went on to explain that reported side-effects are negligible: “The most common side effect is stiffening of the joints, which happens when Cementex leaks out to the cartilage and joints, affecting mostly the knees, elbows and fingers. We can cure osteoporosis, but unfortunately, we can’t fight gravity…yet.”
Doctors can easily treat this side-effect and the occasional pain by prescribing Dieoxx , a new drug developed by Quirck & Co..WBS was not able to reach anyone at Quirck to get more information on this drug.
Ms. Seat also confirmed that Cementex is covered by Mediscare, and that the first one thousand patients will receive a $200 discount coupon toward the purchase of a wheelchair, compliments of Profit & Gamble.
Stay tuned because when we come back, we’ll show you the latest umbrella designs that are stylish and give you 100% protection from acid rain…
Here’s the second scenario:
BREAKING NEWS
TNN just got news that pharmaceutical giant Quirck & Co. filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. Quirck is one more casualty added to the long list of prescription drug manufacturers that have had trouble with the dwindling demand for their products.
“We regret that this is yet one more drug producer that has failed” said Roland Paulman, a spokesman for the privately owned Health and Human Services Marketing, Inc., “but consumers are staying away from the type of drugs they manufacture”. He went on to comment that “This is further proof that our aggressive Just Say No to Prescription Drugs campaign continues to show great results. Ultimately, patients make their own decisions, and the trend clearly points to an ever increasing choice of natural supplements and herbal remedies.”
We were not able to reach anyone at Quirck & Co. However, TNN’s financial sources told us that it’s been long known that Preventive Medicine was taking a big bite out of the now doomed company’s profits. In the last twenty years osteoporosis, arthritis, heart ailments, and diabetes, to name a few, have literally become a thing of the past.
Among the sector’s biggest gainers is Natural Supplements, Inc. Upon hearing Quirck’s filing, investors rushed to purchase Natural’s shares causing an unprecedented rally. Our financial correspondent at the New York Stock Exchange reports that Natural Supplement’s shares have gone up by more than 5% in today’s trading session.
When we come back, we’ll interview Dee Tocks, the owner of Stay Healthy Walk-in Centers, a nationwide franchise. You won’t believe what she has to say about the reduced visit prices starting next month, and she’ll reveal who qualifies for the new Stay Healthy mail-in rebate.
Whoa! Back to reality now
Stay healthy!
Vivian
Excellent, exciting scenarios. Let us hope for their realization. No longer would I need to hear from my doctor, “If you fall, that’s the end of you.” Yes, he really said that, but I could hear between the lines: “Someone is pressuring me to pressure you, and I have to comply.” The upshot of that short sentence put me almost flat on my back, not with fear, but with anger, which lasted three months. I welcome the day doctors no longer frighten us into submission. I tell you the truth. They have been trying it with me since the beginning of the seventies.
To be more specific, I should tell you that I have a severe pain problem, which most likely is neuropathic. It has no name and no treatment. My feet feel like a bundle of rocks, and the pains shoot higher and higher up my body. Thus I am unable to exercise as recommended, but I do eat right. I have found the line I must walk between too much movement and too little. However, this pain has robbed me of much of who I am and what I used to do. It’s unfortunate that along with osteoporosis, problems originating in the brain, and many others the medical profession has no answers except drugs to try to cover up the symptoms.
Thank you, Vivian, for your help and inspiration.
Try Alpha Lipoic Acid - 300 mg. 1 2x a day.
Research is on http://www.webmd.com Great aticle written in 2003!
I have neuropathy in my feet - cause unknown -I am not diabetic.
Good luck!
Vivian, I am thrilled to have access to your website. Great article and I love the blog.
I would like to know if you are familiar with TriVita’s Bone Builder suplement. It contains
1000 IU Vitamin D; 1000 mg Calcium; 600 mcg Vitamin K; 400 mg magnesium and other vitamins. It is a patented formula that they have tested to build bone density. I have been taking this for a few months but will not have another bone density test until May 2009. I just wanted to know what your thoughts are on this supplement.
I have really been trying to keep a good PH balance and I truly believe this is the key to the success of treating osteoporosis. Thanks for the research you are doing and in this area.
AH
Vivian, thank you -thank you - thank you!
I read your book and did a lot of research. No more “soap suds” for me. I started to follow the D, Calcium and magnesium like a religion. Followed your diet and exercise advice. Results after one year - bone density test revealed no change in my spine and more positive change in the hips! I am 72 and I feel great. It is very important to rid the body of acids (a result of the chemicals in our food) in a natural way. Take a day of eating just watermelon, as much as you like and drink lots of water. Your joints will be cleansed and you will feel the difference. I try to do this at least once a month.
I am pleased to receive so much information from you, Vivian!
I am not taking any prescription drugs for osteoporosis/ osteopenia as I had reactions to several drugs which I was given i.e. Actonel, Didrocal.These made me deathly ill.
I am taking 681 mg of strontium citrate( supplement) daily; made by AOR, a company in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I watch my diet also.I am doing weight- bearing exercises. I am a strong 70 yr old female now.
Sincerely,
Elaine Langdon
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Loved the scenarios, Vivian! I have been very motivaed, thanks to you and your dedicated research into this subject, to continue to carefully monitor my daily intake of acids/alkalines. And I try to find the best calcium supplement at an affordable price that I can. Some of the extraordinarily good ones are just out of my price range. But I try to at least go for calcium citrate which I researched to be better than oyster or carbonate. (I’ll have to get your opinion on that.) I haven’t had a second bone scan to compare to the first, because I really am in no rush to have such an unreliable test again. And I do believe that any time a drug company is involved in something like this, a healthy scepticism is the best approach. Thank you for adding substance to that initial unease!
Eva
I have stopped for about 8 months now taking any meds for osteoporisis in my spine. I have had bad stomach problems from Fosamax and Actonal and therefore stopped against my doctors orders. I don’t have any pains and walk on the sand/beach for 45 minutes almost daily. I dance very aerobically 2 hours at a time 2 times a week. I feel fine but worry about not taking meds for osteo. I have read and printed articles written by qualified researchers that blame Fosamax for atrial fib which I developed out of the blue sky. The afib is transient but I now must take Coumaden. I only have had a few episodes and they quickly revert back to normal. I always thought that how could I have this atrial fib when all my heart tests are negative. The doctors won’t address this at all even though the studies show that Fosamax can cause atrial fib. What the heck can we do??? I also take the calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and boron as you suggest.
I got osteoporosis in my back when I had a steroid shot in my back for pain. No warning that it might thin my bones. The literature says boniva, fosamax, etc. prevent the bone loss. I said “no” but no more shots. I quit my last internist when he was so persistant about trying to make me take the pills I wouldn’t take. It reminded me of a former doctor who insisted I must take hormone replacement therapy. The drug companies really have brainwashed the doctors and have advocates in them. Thank you for your book & your information. They help give me the strength to keep saying “NO”. I have been taking ezorb & will get another bone test in January. I have an inner ear problem that causes imbalance & I sometimes fall but having younger, more flexible bone instead of old, brittle bone has proven good for me.
Thank you,
Jeanne Litteer
Atlanta, Georgia
I am hoping to have knee reconstruction on both knees. As my Dr’s report says I have almost ‘total obliteration of the cartilages on both knees’
I have never been able to stomach any form of chemical pain killers I have osteo-arthritis etc, and Glucosamine is all I can take. Pain is still there and stiffness also.
Does cartilage ever grow again? Is there nothing that I can do, but wait for the surgery to be able to walk pain free again?
As it is it’s getting almost unbearable at times to even stay up to sit and enjoy watching TV or to just sit.
I love the articles. Everybody sounds so up-beat and positive and I hope some of it will rub off on me!!!
I have developed “frozen shoulder” and the pain is at the acute stage and a good nights sleep is a thing of the past!! I have started a course of acupuncture and have had my first physical therapy session. I can manage the pain during the day but the nights!!!! Any suggestions from anybody?
You need a CranioSacral Therapist or an Osteopathic Manipulation Medicine Pain Management D.O. to work on you from a natural stand point. Both these fields approach pain from the point of assisting your body to heal itself. You can look on line for both these specialties in your location.
First I took shots of Cortisone (about 3 a yr.) and then went to a clinic called “Back In Motion” in Sarasota, Fl. where I received several treatments of low level cold laser along with exercise therapy and massage. I am happy to say I have NO PAIN in my shoulder at all and have used this therapy for several other painful joints which it has helped tremendously. I do have advanced osteop. and take calcium citrate, D, and mag. I found I was very low in my Vit. D and took 50,000 units once a wk for 8 wks and built it up to 67 instead of the very low 19. (Should be around 60- to 70 for normal test results.) Good luck. Best from Sherrie
I had a frozen right sdhoulder for a year then again last year in my left shoulder I tried most things then I heard about laser treatment at my local naturapath, after about six treatments I recovered, she also injected msm with other natural components. I would highly recomend the treatment for frozen shoulder, I know it was the best cure for me, now living pain free, with full motion in my shoulders.
Thank you so much for all your information
How ever, I do not know what your book contains & have not as yet ordered it.
I can not take Fosomax, as I read an article on the computer, saying it is not advisable to take if one has had a stroke or heart attack. As I have had a minor stroke some two years ago, I decided not to take Fosomax. I then saw my doctor, who luckily had seen the same article, & so agreed with me not to take Fosamax, which he had prescribed just a few days earlier. My doctor then referred me to an endocrinologist, to find out what I could take for my osteoporosis ie Lumber spine T-score -2.3, & Left femoral neck T-score -2.8.
The endocrinologist was in favour of Fosamax. He said that there was not a conclusive evedence that there is an increased incidence of atrial fibrilation associated with biophosphonate therapy. (these are his words)
However I told hom I was not going to take Fosamax. He then prescribed me OsteVit-D or VitaminD3 1000 iu, to take one a day, which I have now been taking for about 2 months. I also take one Ultra Calcium tablet a day, which I have taken for a number of years, because of my osteoporosis, which I have had for several years now. I am 78 years of age.
I really thought that the endocrinologist would be able to prescribe something instead of fosamax, but apparantly not so. He wishes to see me in another year. Probably will again have to have my bone mineral density measurements taken.
Thank you Vivian for all your information on the computer, but I have not as yet decided to buy your book, as I don`t know or understand what you may have in mind.
Sincerely,
Marion
How Do I send this to you?
I love reading your views on bone health….I went to your web site when the Dr told me she was going to start me on fosamax….Turned out she had me mixed up with someone else. Thank God……She told me I had great bone health and to keep doing what ever I was doing. I turned 59 today and may treat myself to you book. I love prevention. and like the second version of your senerio. I have a thyroid problem. Will your suggestions interfer with my synthroid. I have hyshemoto. Thanks for taking the time to study bone health Valerie
My gynocologist has intstilled the fear of God in me. He has made me so afraid not to take the drugs, but I am even more afraid to take them. I actually think he is probably going to quit seeing me if I do not. You have given me hope. My spine is a negtive 2.9 and my hip and leg bones are a negative 2.5. He tries to tell me I have not choice but to take the drugs. I have tried two which have given me stomach problems. Like so many other drugs on the market, I am afraid down the road we are going to hear of the terrible results of taking them. Please keep doing the good work you are doing. I am going to see a new doctor next week who is in to alternative medicine. I can’t wait to hear what he has to say about these medications.
Dear Vivian
Thank you for your reserach and your book. I do enjoy your e-mails with osteoporosis news. I am trying my best to keep to the PH diet - not too hard as I love fruit and vegetables and I found the recipes in the book very good.
I am a retired physiotherapist so naturally I believe in exercise and I was interested in Simplecise. I have started doing that.
i am fortunate to have only occasional slight back pain. I wonder if those who have pain have tried Reiki or energy healing. As you know I am English but I know that these are available in the States.
Dear Vivian,
It has been a long time since I’ve e-mail you.
Well I have been faced with a lot of health problems over the past year.
I’ve lot several inches in height so my doctor odered a MRI of my spine.
Oh - I have a fractured L-4 and a Slipped L-5 vertabra. I have been getting steriod injection in my back to try and help ease the lower back pain. So far I;ve recieved little to relief, and I;m supossed to have another on the 26th of Nov.
I have always thought that steroids can cause bone lose but Dr. says NO.
I also have been told that I have Fibromyalgia. Extreme muscle and joint pain. the weather plays a big factor in how I feel. Heat bothers me cold bothers me and the only thing that I have found that help is a product called OPC-3 or opcextra.
I have been taking 1000 I.U. of V.-D,
1000 Calcium, 400 of Magnesium and V.-K. My last bone desity test I was told that I had ostoporosis very bad.
I will not take the trash that is prescribed by the Doctor’s, I have a very understanding Doctor and she has been taking courses in Alternative Med.
thank you for all you help and letting me bend you ear. Any and all suggestions would be welcome.
Mardel
Thank you for the update, personally I would not jump into having my bones injected with this new product until it has been out there in the open world for a few years.
I am flabergasted that the bone density score ,of my 65 year old body being put up against the standards of a 20 year olds. Doesn’t make sense to me.
Too many products in the past which were the then “one to end all” have now been removed from the shelves.
I have increased my calcium and am now looking into the new recommended increase of Vitamin D.
With the onset of winter, I can no longer do my earthbox gardening(major source of exercise) so I have just joined a gym. I am doing standard range of motion patterns as warm up and using some of the equipment (without weights) to assess my muscle responses. I’ll ad weight as tolerated later.
I am a retired Occupational Therapist,I have moderate/severe scoliosis with stenosis of the spine that provides for multiple aches, pain and such. I just can not bring myself to take synthetic drugs knowing the potential side effects to my still healthy organs.
Gentle active exercise and gentle resistive exercise is essential to retain flexibility.
Hi Vivian: Thank you so much for all the research you have done on osteoporosis and ostopenia. Not only that, but also sharing your findings with those of us with these conditions. I am trying to follow your advice and I really appreciate the information you have been sending by email. My next bone density test is sscheduled for May, 2009 and I am anxious to see if my scores have improved. Thanks again, Bonnie Holloway.
Dear Vivian:
Thank you so much for all your very informant emails. Please continue to send
them. Enjoyed reading everyones comments. Hope I am helped by all the info.
Thanks again, Janet Barbera
G DAY VIVIAN THANKYOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND DETAIL IMFORMATION ON CEMENTEX,MY GP HAS WIPED ME COMPLETELY SINCE I CHOSE TWO GO DRUG FREE ACTONEL AND FOSAMAX.I HAVE MENTIONED A SIMILAR TREATMENT TWO CEMENTEX HE WOULD NOT GO THERE.I WONDER IF THIS TREATMENT IS BEING PRESCRIBED IN AUSTRALIA.MY NEXT APPOINTMENT WITH HIM IS 4TH DEC.I HAVE TWO REQUEST A BONE DENSITY TEST AND I WILL BE ENQUIRING ABOUT CEMENETEX.IT SHOULD BE AN INTERESTING APPOINTMENT.KIND REGARDS STEPHEN GRIFFIN.
Vivian..I print every piece of information you send me. It’s too important not to. I file it in with your book you sent me for further information.
Right now I’m taking pro-adjustments from a Chiropractor here in Sun City. The interesting thing about her is she’s on Boniva and don’t know what else to do. I gave her your website and I’m sure she will be in contact with you.
In reading your website mail I have a question. Why would they want to go back and have a density test knowing all the info you have put out on these machines? Why would they even want to go back to a Dr. who diagnosed them with a death sentence? Forgive me for being so questionable.
Thanks Vivian,
Darlene F. Doerfler
Thank you for the information on Cementex. I will see my doctor tomorrow and will ask how she perceives its effectiveness.
hi, everything is so confusing. I thought I was doing everything right –just had a bone density test and was a little lower than 2 years ago. I don’t want to take meds but what else is there? Heredity counts for some too, right? What’s the best natural thing out there? I need to get better, am almost at the bottom of the chart.
Aline: I am sure your efforts to improve your bone health will show great results. Keep it up!
To answer your question about the supplement, the ingredients are fine, but it is not clear whether the MCHC (microcrystalline hydroxyapatite) is really that much more effective than other forms of calcium. One study was done in 1995 with 40 people where it did show improved results, but obviously it was a very small study. There is an issue with it also because MCHC is derived from bovine bone. In the 1980s, bone meal calcium supplements were found to be contaminated with heavy metals…in an ideal world I would recommend the product, but from pasture-fed, free-range livestock not subjected to routine antibiotics or rBGH.
Take care,
Vivian
Cookie: Sounds great! I’m so glad your bone density increased in your hips…it’s so inspiring to hear such good results after one year.
And thanks for sharing a great tip. Watermelon is high in lycopene, which has a very positive effect on bones.
Keep in touch,
Vivian
Margaret: You’re right. I am hopeful that the pain will improve. If you have not tried it yet, you might want to take a vitamin B complex supplement…it might help you.
All the best,
Vivian
Elaine : Thanks for sharing your comments. While strontium does not have dangerous side-effects, it is denser than calcium and can therefore show greater bone density on the DEXA scan (which is misleading).
Regards,
Vivian
I greatly appreciate your contacts and research about osteoporosis. I prefer to avoid drugs and try diet and would love more details on that please. Must give the watermelon a try.
What is your opinion on Cementex - sounds a bit drastic, stiffening of joints, knees, elbows and fingers plus $200 discount towards wheelchair - not ready for that yet!! Keep up your great work. Val
Wow! And thank you -Is all I can say after reading your book. My Doctor is really after me to “take something ” for my bones.She wants me to take either Forto or Zometa–well I looked them up on the web and also after reading your book–no way! I take vitamins B,C,E and calcium. I switched to the new Caltrate with the bone builder and am also taking magesium and vitamin D. I have six months before my next bone scan so I hope to see a great improvement when I have it. What do you think of the new Caltrate with Genistine?
it would be nice to be around to find out just what the future results will finally be, it would be very nice to find a natural cure that would have no cemical effect at all, but use only a cure from nature its self.
I was told about a negative Dexa test 3 years ago and my doctor just told me to increase my calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. But after 2 years the results of the next Dexa test were so negative that the doctor told me I had osteoporosis (lost almost 2 inches) and prescribed Fosamax. I refused to take it because my sisters’ doctor warned her not to take it - that it would be dangerous because she has reflux. That was when I looked on the internet for an alternative solution and got your book “Bone Health Revolution”. I like any thing that is a natural alternative. I do Reiki and Tai Ch and yoga for exercise and I make my own heart pills for my high cholesterol (hereditery problem) so I loved your book. I believe keeping your body with a balanced PH is the answer to most health problems.
The person that asked about TriVita”s bone builder supplement sounds simular to the GNC bone density vites that I take and a friend of mine got a possitive Dexa test after taking them for only one year. I get another Dexa next year.
Other acid- alkaline lists claim Soy milk as acid. I have troulble staying away from breads because I went Vegetarian and eat so many veggie sandwiches. How would a Ph level be with these since I have to eat a lot of beans,eggs and cheese? Your feedback is important to me. Thanks.
Thanks for all the info Vivian, I enjoy reading everyone comments, makes me feel I am on the right track with what I am taking, I have switched my reverse osmosis water as I found the water to be acid, I now have another water filter with an added calcium filter, so now my tests show that I am more alkaline, which is great as I drink quite a lot of water.
Vivian,
I absolutely love your emails! I forward them to my gyno’s office, his wife is the office manager there and I want her to know all this information so he can pass it on to his patients.
I use Nature Made products for calcium and the other supplements that I take. But I was wondering if you had products that were proven to be effective. I wanted to let you know that I had fallen on the ice last week. Thank God that I had my longer coat on because I fell on my hip and shoulder. I thought that I would be sore for a while, but the next day I was fine. I contribute that to exercise, eating a healthy diet and my strong bones (no matter what the doctor said). I know that I am healthy.
Thank you for the wonderful information.
Sincerely,
Donna
Hi Vivian
Thank you for all your research into bone density I get a lot of good info out of your emails and after studying your book have found that I am on the right track as I have an alkerlizer that takes all the acid out of the water and helps in keeping the Ph in the body at a better level I am 69 and keep fit with exercises and take no other supplements at the moment the exercises seem to help to keep the pain levels down
many thanks again for your assisisance
Regards Rex