Medical Breakthrough '08: New Bone Builders

Fractures from fragile bones affect half of women over 50. Two new medications can help repair them -- and reduce the risk.

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Forteo
If you've broken a bone, Forteo (teriparatide) may be the drug for you. Unlike bisphosphonates (such as Fosamax and Boniva), which inhibit the cells that cause bone loss, Forteo stimulates the cells that make bones larger and harder. The result: a greater increase of bone mineral density in a shorter time. Researchers agree that bisphosphonates are beneficial in treating moderate osteoporosis. But after a fracture, Forteo's bone-building prowess can be a real boost.
Reclast
Some pills for osteoporosis can be complicated to take (and remember). Now one IV dose of Reclast (zoledronic acid) just once a year can strengthen bones and protect against fractures. It's given via a 15-minute intravenous infusion.
Available: Now

From Reader's Digest - March 2008

 

• Medical Breakthroughs for 2008
• New hope for cancer, diabetes, dementia and more.
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• Medical Breakthrough '08: Younger Vaccines
• With new medical breakthroughs in vaccines offer children illness prevention at younger ages.
• 
• Medical Breakthrough '08: Better Than Mammo
• Less invasive mammography alternatives are on the medical horizon.
• 
• Medical Breakthrough '08: 24/7 Blood Sugar Test
• Testing your blood sugar may soon be as convenient as checking the time.
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• Medical Breakthrough '08: Promising Drugs for Treating Alzheimer's
• The new medications are hopeful memory keepers in the fight against Alzheimer's.
• 

“ Buy a pedometer to keep track of how many steps you take daily. Wear it every day, around home, work, and while exercising. You'll burn roughly 100 to 125 calories by taking 2,500 steps (about one mile). ”

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Which windshield wiper blade always quits first? That's right -- the driver's side. This happened to me one day while driving home in the middle of a blinding storm. Unable to see, I pulled over and tried to figure out a quick fix. I found it in a yellow cotton work glove lying on the floor. I wedged the cloth hand under the wiper arm. It did a great job keeping my windshield clear. Not only that -- you'd be surprised at how many people waved back.

-- Tom Bischel, Eau Claire, Wisconsin