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
I just went through all the tests. My Dr. had her receptionest call me and tell me I have Osteopenia. No word on what I could do or should do to help my bones. I called the Dr. back and she said she would write me a note to go to a pain specialist where I can get a cortizone shot. Is that it? I have to live with this pain the rest of my life unless I live on cortizone shots?
Thank you for your time
Beverly
I took Fosamax several years ago and it made me sick and my ribs felt like someone beat me up. I then went to the Natural Food Store and started to take Bone Strength. It did help a bit and my hips improved but now they have a new product called Grow Bone which I started 3 weeks ago. They will pay for the bone density tests if no improvement in 6 months.I probably had the worst bone density results on earth. I’m going to be 73 in March. I take care of 2 horses, 2 donkeys and have a smooth fox terrier which I am training and a 9 month old whippet.I love my animals and it’s a good reason to get up every morning because they depend on me. I believe I get enough exercise maybe too much.I always have pain in my back and shoulders. If I sit or lay down too long I really get stiff so moving around is better. I didn’t send for your information because I have read so much that I decided to stay on Grow Bone and see what happens.
dear vivian just read your last letter on osteoporosis.i also have been diagnosed i was 5 on the bone density test. not good iam self treating with caltrate +D .i cannot have another bone d. test for another 2 yrs. but i would like to suggest that everyone young women after her child bearing yrs if not sooner have abone d. test done and begin to add extra calcium + d to their diet. donot wit until 55 or plus plus 67 to be tested like everything i think we wait to long to be diagnosed. thank you for listening to me but this is my comment
thank you for your e mails.
I look forward to them, and it is great to learn so much that agrees with my thoughts on health care. You are performing a wonderful service.
thanks.
I truly believe our bodies are capable of healing and regenerating when challenged with stress, chemicals, falls, or other damaging events. Bioscience needs to learn how to encourage quicker response from nature. That would be a successful partnership of homosapiens and their wellness program. Exercise is very beneficial but must work with the natural functions of the joints and muscles. Flexibility is a life long commitment in order to avoid accidents. There are no guarantees for complete success, however, the process is more promising. Eunice
Vivian…That was a wonderful piece of creative writing. I sure hope the second scenario is realized one day. Your emails have given me the courage to turn down my doctor’s recommendations for taking Reclast. I have read Gillian Sanson’s book on The Myth of Osteoporosis and plan on purchasing yours.
I am 69 years old, in good health except for progressive osteoporosis…which I think was due largely to having a vitamin D deficiency for many years that was not detected. I am not on any prescription meds and hope to keep it that way. I take multi vitamins from True Encapsulations …prescribed for me by a pharmacist who believes in natural treatments for what ails you. My recent T score was -3.8 with a BMD of 0.728…which my internist was horrified over and like all the other MDs wanted me to take one of the osteo drugs. I SAID NO..I WILL TAKE MY CHANCES.
THANKS AGAIN FOR KEEPING US INFORMED.
Dear Vivian,
Your knowledge and advice are greatly appreciated. I enjoy your wit and wisdom and am determined to live healthily and actively to ensure my bones are as strong as possible. I believe that at 63, having worked hard in my professional life for more than 40 years, it is time to prioretise my own well being.
I too am sceptical about the motivation of drug companies and doctors who seem to be in league with those companies.
Thanks again for your advice
Lois
What a future, not sure I am really looking foreward to it.
I am afraid I am not a person that jumps to take any medication! I do believe in natural healing processes. I do follow your regime and appreciate your guidance.
Thank you
Hosna
i enjoyed your article. I have been taking celated mimnerals and vitamin oxidants and refusing to take anymore fosamx.
Am working my way through The Bone Health Revolution. When I purchased it I was told that I would be having a phone conversation with you. It has never happened. I do read all of your e-mails. Am trying to follow the 80/20
diet. Three years ago I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Went to a very good nutrionist who got me started on a very healthy diet plus good suplements. I eat so very healthy now. I am 79 years old and have
been working out for years at a club. Have been on the Fosmax, Altenol, and Boniva drugs.
I refused to take them any longer. Then my Dr. wanted me to do the nose spray which I refused. In October I did have a compression fracture in the spine which am pretty much recovered from. I am very anti Drs. I truly believe that good nutrition suplements and exercise is the way to go. Thank you Vivian for all the valuable info.
I am so glad I stopped taking Fosamax.
That was hilarious!Thank you, Vivian.
I am still silently giggling about your futuristic article about the cure for Osteoporosis! You have a great sense of humor -love it!
I have just finished reading your book,I am trying to now follow the 80/20 rule.
I have been taking Fosamax for 14 years.In the last 3 years I have broken 3 ribs and am still in pain from a compression fracture of my T 7 which I did 3 years ago.I decided in December that I would stop the drugs and change my diet,and excercize more, in 1 year I will have a bone density and see what is happening to my Osteporosis.Iam open to co************************@*******co.ca
Thanks for all your letters I appreciate all the information you send to me about how I manage my osteoporosis, but at this time Ican`T bought the program to Save my Bones. At this time only drink Caltrate 600 with Vit. D and suplement of Centrum Silver. My grettings for you.
s
s
Kill the stock market, prices are too high already for supplements. Several big investment
companies are buying smaller manufacturers & the
big ones are trading on Wall Street, this is wrong!
I am starting to think osteoporosis is another medical fad like mitral valve prolapse – a real condition but over-medicated and over-treated and then dropped like a hot potato. I had bladder consequences for 20 years from 2x year antibiotics before the dentist would treat me and then suddenly, all the medicals were laughing that we civilians were so gullible to believe such a dumb thing.
A terrific book to read: T. Colin Campbell. The China Study. Makes it all clear. Available at many libraries and cheaply from Amazon.
I just ordered your book. I appreciate the tips, etc. I have received from you. It confirms my theory about osteoporosis. My mother lived to be 93 years old, fell out of her bed in an assistant living residence when 92 and didn’t break any bones. She never had a bone density test, ate only home-cooked meals, much of what came from her garden(gardened until 89), and passed from a broken heart when her husband, my father who also lived in the facility with her, passed away.
I’m on a bone repair program now but thank you for all the info. you have sent.
there are some very interesting questions above, but where are the answers? Particularly what supplements are absorbed easily? I was diagnosed with Osteopenia after breaking my hip joint aged 56. Also broke my shoulder last year aged 66 in three places, probably due to stronger but more brittle bones. I have taken Alendronic Acid (Fosamax) until Nov 09. I am trying to follow the 80/20 diet suggestions, but would really appreciate more information.
Please send info to me at pb*******@*ol.com if you can help.
Thanks in advance, Barbara
Way to go Vivian – great sense of imagination.
I enjoy reading your book. Lots of great info.
After reading your information I have declined to take the perscription(atonel) that my doctor recommended for my bones. I see him on the 14th of this month and I am looking forward to what he has to say.
Would be interested in sharing your Dr,s comments on stopping the drug,I saw my Dr just recently for the same reason and she had know problem with me stopping.Keep the info coming Joan.
Vivian…if you save all our bones & have then nothing to do,you could be a writer full time. Such an entertaining read and perhaps quite visionary.
I am reading & reading & digesting the information in your emails. I have requested a copy of the free handbook.
Please let me know the cost of your book Save our Bones..I am seriously thinking of buying one.
Thanks very much
Sonja Cole
Dear Vivian, thank you so much for all the emails and communications you provide on this condition. I’m trying to follow the 80/20 plan as per your book. I have discovered new ways to eat well, and I hope that with the help of the right foods and Calcium intake, my osteoporosis condition will reverse. Please continue keeping us informed… Thanks, Martha
Vivian…………..another word for your blog
if you can handle my rant. More statistics
for your readers that I stumbled upon recently
in our local rag. That 85% of those diagnosed
with osteoporosis will probably never break
a hip. Yes, another 15% will have a fall in
their latter years, but if we use common sense,
as in good footwear, stay home on the icy days, or generally exercise good caution in winter………………we will never suffer half the fears peddled to us by the medical profession, including my GP, who last year told me I couldn’t afford not to treat the osteoporosis! Due to some natural “goodies” I buy at my local health food store, I am almost always pain-free!
Fear not you fellow soldiers of age-related conditions, my mother just reached 90 last year only to have that inevitable fall at home, the cause of which was some osteoporosis in her hip and spine! Well. hello all you doctors out there, I take my hat off to her for getting to 90 without many health problems you could have given her.
Keep on trekking, Carol on Vancouver Island, B.C.
Thank you for your interesting email…. I like Option #2, that we should all take
responsibility for our health and treat the condition NATURALLY. Who will be able to afford these “miracle” drugs? I can barely afford the essential drugs, a small dose of antidepressant and anxiety Rx which caused the ruination of my bones in the first place! At a CD a pill, my pension barely covers
the cost.
Way back when I worked and earned good money, I was able to pay the whopping bill…………but I weaned myself down to zilch o, because I could not afford the higher dose. And guess what, I’m still standing,
walking, and sometimes even playing. No thanks to the “…..Big Guns in the Pharmaceutical Industry”
I love your focus on this money-grabbing industry, that wreaks havoc in our lives, then
when we find ourselves in the poor house, they wash their hands, and say “…tsk, tsk, another
sucker down”. I’d rather die an early, dignified death, than succumb to their agenda!
Keep on the path of goodness, and righteousness, and never say die until your
time is up, C. McCallum Vancouver Island,
B.C. Canada
well, at this given time i want to avoid takeing any type of drug for now
i have been diagosed w/osteopenia, borerline osteoporosis in the hips, and DO NOT take meds. tho they were prescibed. i take aRAW CALCIUM formulated w/all the supporting minerals and the maximum amount of STRONTIUM allowable under safety guidelines along w/5000IU vit. D3 daily and Ipriflavone. i combine a daily walking regtimen along with weight lifting 3 days weekly, and hope for the best. THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR TIPS, cordially, arthur
Loved your two scenarios–The play on words was great! Have had your book for about two months, and am trying to follow your suggestions on diet, supplements, etc. I have exercised regularly for many years, and my weight is where it should be, so I’m a real believer in that advice. I took Actonel for a number of years, but decided not to renew the prescription several months ago, and found your website while trying to research alternatives. Your philosophy makes real sense to me, and I appreciate the guidance from the book, and your follow-up e-mails,etc.
Thanks!!
The book is very interesting. I have stopped taking fosamax and feel much better. I haven’t finished your book yet.
Dear Vivian,
thanks for your optomistic view of the future. I would love to see some of these big pharmacueticals go down. You know they don’t have the people in their best interests…it’s always the almighty $! I’ve been an avid ‘naturalist’ when it comes to drugs for some 20 years now. It started with my Thyroid of which I take a natural Thyroid med. Thankfully, I go to a doctor who is very open to trying things the natural way and for the most part, has been the right thing to do. I have osteoporosis in my lumbar region but the doctor says to just keep up the calcium, vitamin D and excercise and try to get some weight off and he’ll take another look in a year to see how things are going.
By the way, thank you for your emails…haven’t got through the book yet but what I have read has been very enlightening! Thanks again.
Vivian, your sense of humour is a tonic in itself: are you also a laughter therapist? Profit & Gamble ~ soooo appropriate. They take the profit and we take the gamble. Cant comment on the book as I still havent received it but am eager to start on the programme. Thanks for what you are doing. Pearl
Vivian, I enjoyed your look into the future! I intend to be in the 2nd scenario! I’m reading (and rereading) your book and never miss your emails. Diet is definitely a factor and maybe even more important are weight-bearing exercises which I feel should be stressed even more. Your 80/20 program makes sense although borders on a vegetarian diet which is really difficult when chicken, fish and eggs play a big role in many of our meals. I’ve always lived by my “80/20 rule” (80% of the time I try and get it right and I don’t sweat the 20%). Keep up the good work and I’ll keep trying too!
Well written Vivian.
It is well known that the pharmaceutical companies are not working in the public’s interest. However, not all is well with the so called “natural remedies” either. I have spent £200′- on Vitamins and Minerals, which I sourced from a reputable company called Nutri, but I have huge problems to digest these items. The alternative program for osteoporosis is an alkaline diet, regular exercises and the Vit/Min and the Omega oils. But I noticed, that my body gets totally stress by taking these Vitamins and Minerals. Not always but most of the time.
This is the reason why I sent you an e-mail earlier on, asking for a recommended product that I could take and absorb. I had no answer from you as yet. It is clear to me now, that digestion plays an important role in osteoporosis. There are hundreds of companies out there, that sell health products, but do we digest them? These Vitamins and Minerals are very concentrated and harsh on the body.
Please help,
Hannelore
Vivian,
I am so thankful that your articles came when I really needed them most. I did not take my prescribed drugs. Am applying your suggestions on natural remedies-food, exercise, sunshine, etc. and plus being careful not to wear something that may cause fracture. Am sure that I will be okay without those bone-stiffening drugs.Thanks so much……
Vivian, you are truly a breath of fresh air in a sea of scripts!!! Thank you so much for the e-book — it is extremely interesting! You did email me and somehow my computer “ate” your email 🙁 This was last week so if you still have your email in your “Sent” file, would you kindly send it to me again. I am so grateful to you for what you are doing and look forward to reading more of what you have to say about osteoporosis and generally good health. Many blessings to you!!!
Hi Vivian,
Good to hear about Drug Companies going belly up, it is great that the public is finally questioning what they are taking and dealing with their health in a sensible way. Thanks to you for doing your research on bone health and giving us alternatives.
Gwen
Hi Vivian,
You’re so right. GPs do think they are doing their best for our health and won’t listen when we tell them of the side effects. I have had a very worrying effect with my legs which I put down to taking Calcium with vitamin D twice a day and alendronic acid capsules once a week. My legs started to swell at the calf and at one stage started to leek a clear fluid. Then I got terrible stabbing pains in my ankles and feet which I reported to my GP and he sent me for an MRI scan and X-rays which all showed no problems. Now my legs have started to lose flesh and muscle and my right ankle feels as though it is collapsing and I cannot wear heeled shoes because my foot has become rigid and is turning out to the right. I am very worried as no-one seems to know what is the problem and my legs are getting thinner and thinner. I put it down to too much calcium and think I must stop taking them. Do you have any comments? I think your emails are very informative but as a pensioner on a very limited income I cannot afford the books unfortunately. Keep up your good work.
I have been told that I have osteoporosis but until September, although I had fallen a few times I never broke any bones. Now I have been put on Cancium with vitamin D twice a day plus once a week, Alendronic Acid capsules. I had a fall in September and broke my hip joint, spending 2 weeks in hospital. I think that too much calcium makes the bones too brittle and more susceptable to breaking. As I said I never had any trouble before taking Calcium with vitamin D AND Alendronic Acid. I think we must think twice before taking any mad-made cures and return to a more natural
diet. I don’t know what to eat to replace the Calcium and the Alendronic acid. Any recommendations?
Your approach is common theme among people who believe in natural remedies. I am one of those people that why I never take drugs of any kind. It is a hefty price, however, that I paid to have the information in your book.
Why so much?
Yes, I am also on the AlaeCal/Strontium program. I ordered it online. After readig Vivian’s book on the Strontium it does make your bone stronger but does not mean they are not going to break. We want flexibility. So cut down the strontium. I have been on all the osteroporosis meds they have on the maket so I am not sure what is going to happen with me. I will get a better idea when they do a BMD. Even then who knows.
Thanks for all your help. I was diagnosed with osteopenia and the Dr. gave me calcitonin salmon nasal spray. I took it for 4 days–then I had severe burning and pain (urinary)when going to the bathroom. I quit taking it, and the burning cleared up. However, all the surrounding tissues had become inflammed and I had pain for another month. I had to use hydrocortizone cream to clear up that problem. It was awful! About that time I stumbled across your website and I now eat differently, exercise more, take strontium and other bone building vitamins. I informed the Dr. I will not take any of those drugs again. I am hoping for good bone density numbers next time.
I am 48 years old and diagnosed with osteoperosis in one of my hips. I took Actonel and had very severe chest pain and muscle aches. I decided I would not take another drug for that!! After 2 months I no longer feel the side effects.
I am post menopausel at a younger age than most , I think. What are my chances of losing more bone density than the normal age of menopause?? I guess I feel like my life has been shortened by 10 years. I started perimenopause @39 . Anything I can do other than drugs.?
I need information how to correct osteoarthritis
Vivian: I enjoyed your humor and all your emails. I am studying your book and trying to follow the 80/20 plan but am not sure I’m getting it just right and it is hard as I cook for my husband in the old way. I often eat a little of what I fix for him and add more veggies and fruits for myself. Have tried some of your recipies and would like more. I want to try the carrot cake recipe you sent. What I am particularly thrilled about is that the diet has been so helpful with my digestive problems. I am also seeing a naturopath and take a lot of nutritional supplements. She does wonder why you recommend light olive oil. I mostly use virgin olive oil and some other good oils. The only supplement that you recommend that I don’t take is Vitamin K as I read it is plentiful in fruits and veggies. I am 75 and was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis in hip area with a T-Score of -2.6. Spine -1.5. The doctor nearly had me scared into taking Actonel but decided that I was more scared of the side effects. I do not take any prescription drugs but have in the past. I took Prepro for about l2 years but have been off of it for several years. I do have some other questions but don’t want to make this too long. I was going to mention that I take MSM capsules for my knees which I get at Walmart. I take 1000 mm twice a day plus another mixture containing 750 mm of MSM. This saved me from orthoscoptic knee surgury a few years ago. I do have a torn meniscus in one knee but they feel fine except for some stiffness. I do walk every day about 2 miles but need to do more for my upper body which is jelly. I am fairly thin at this point weighing about l33 and am nearly 5’7″. Thank you, Vivien and God Bless You. Love, Esther
Loved the scenatios. I fervently hope that the second is the more accurate vision. I am more and more convinced that we are all guinea pigs in the great pharmaceutical bottom line frenzy. I know I asked my doctor about the side effects of Altace, a drug I take for High Blood Pressure. She assured me that all drugs have side effects, I always thought that physicians were boound first of all to do no harm. There is something terribly wrong in the practice of medicine today. Paternalism and maternalism has no place in doctor/patient relations.
Vivian, I am reading the information that you send, and I am thinking about what I want to do. I see an endocrinologist soon, and I will continue to look at all options. I do appreciate the information that you are sending. I have been on Actonel for a long time, along with calcium and vitamin D. I have to take a B12 supplement, because my B12 was very low. My vitamin D is low, and my bones have gotten worse over the last two years, so you can see why I’m looking at my options. What I am doing does not seem to be working. Thank you!
Vivian, great message! Yes, it has been a couple of months since I got into “save our bones” and I am truly enjoying every piece of info you put on the e-mail. I just re-read your entire book,”Save our Bones” Revolution and am trying hard to stick to your advice. No soda and drinking distilled water for the last 2 months and working hard at eating the 80/20 alkaline vs acidity foods. It is sometimes hard to follow when invited out to dinner but am making much better food choices. I’ve tried a couple of your receipes and love them!
Keep up the great work! I am sure that in years to come more women will go the “drug-free” way to increasing bone density.
Terry
Vivian,
I continue to find encouragement in reading your e-mails and your book on The Bone Heath Revolution. Please keep up your research on the natural way to keep our bones strong.
I’m on a senior income and can not afford [i’m sure, very informative] books.Sorry.But your emails are appreciated.
thanks
E.T.