Newsletter - December 2011

Computer Upgrade - On-Line Users Take note

The surgery is upgrading its clinical software with a planned go live date of 1st November 2011.This has now been deferred to Spring 2012 due to matters outside our control. Please note this will mean that EMIS ACCESS  will not be available for the week prior to this day for booking appointments or prescription requests

Osteoporosis and the older person

My Doctor says I have osteoporosis- what does this mean?

Osteoporosis is where your bones are less strong compared to the average person’s bones.

It is more common in women compared to men especially after a woman has gone through the menopause. Apart from age and being female other factors that  are risk factors or pointers that you may have Osteoporosis are;

• a parent having had a hip fracture,

• yourself having a simple fall and sustaining a fracture,

• alcohol intake of more than 4 units per day,

• smoking,

• use of ‘Steroid’ tablets,

• being slim or immobile/ inactive.

If you are at risk of Osteoporosis your doctor can organise a 'DXA' scan if appropriate which can help to advise how best to manage this problem

It is important to prevent osteoporosis as having weak bones predisposes you to an increased risk of fractures especially of the wrist, back and hip. All these injuries can be significant in affecting your everyday life and general health. How can I prevent Osteoporosis?

 How can I help prevent Osteoporosis?

Self help includes the following lifestyle advice; stopping smoking, taking regular exercise are important factors in prevention. Calcium intake is also important, this can be obtained either from dietary intake e.g. milk, cheese or by a dietary supplement.

What can my Doctor do to help?

Your Doctor might also commonly prescribe Calcium along with vitamin D supplements, or in some instances a drug called Alendronate which is taken weekly. For either drugs it is important to take as directed, unfortunately both these medications are ones that patients are not very good at remembering to take!

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