Osteoporosis

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Symptoms
• Fractures
• Risk Factors
• Diagnosis
• Lifestyle Changes
• Medications
• Treatment
• Resources
• References

• In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved zoledronic acid (Reclast) for postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment. Zoledronic acid is given as an injection once a year. A 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that zoledronic acid can significantly reduce the risk of spine, hip, and other fractures.
• In 2007, the FDA approved raloxifene (Evista) for prevention of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and postmenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer. - 1 Comment
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Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Overview
• Uses
• Dietary Sources
• Available Forms
• How to Take It
• Precautions
• Possible Interactions
• Supporting Research

Kidney stones

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Medications
• Other Treatments
• Complications
• Prevention
• Resources
• References

• Patients who have the most common type of gastric bypass surgery, the Roux-en-Y, are at increased risk for kidney stones, beginning 6 months after surgery, according to a study published in 2006.

• Calcium stones form when there is an imbalance in the urine substances that promote and block the formation of stones. Often, the cause of this imbalance is unknown.
• Having acidic urine or too much uric acid in the body leads to the formation of uric acid stones.
• Struvite stones are almost always caused by urinary tract infections due to bacteria that produce certain enzymes.
• Other stones, including cystine and xanthine stones, are usually due to genetic abnormalities.

• In about 85% of patients, the kidney stones are small enough that they pass through normal urination, usually within 2 - 3 days.
• Certain medications can prevent recurrence of stones in people who are at high risk.
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a technique that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to break up simple stones in the kidney or upper urinary tract. The shock waves are delivered from outside the body.
• Surgery may be necessary if the stone or stones are too big to pass, and cannot be broken down through ESWL.
• A change of diet and increased drinking of fluids, especially water, will help prevent a recurrence.

Peptic ulcers

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Symptoms
• Complications
• Risk Factors
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Treatment for NSAID-Induced...
• Medications
• Treatment for Bleeding Ulce...
• Lifestyle Changes
• Resources
• References

• Spironolactone, a common diuretic used in heart failure
• Niacin, a drug used to lower "bad" cholesterol and raise "good" cholesterol
• Vitamin K antagonists, commonly prescribed anticoagulants
• Dipyridamole, a drug for secondary stroke prevention
• Low-dose aspirin, prescribed for both heart attack and stroke prevention

Diabetes - type 1

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Life-Threatening Complicati...
• Diagnosis
• Dietary Goals and Exercise...
• Treatment
• Monitoring Tests
• Long-Term Complications
• Transplantation Procedures...
• Prevention
• Resources
• References

Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase

• Definition
• Alternative Names
• How the test is performed
• How to prepare for the test
• How the test will feel
• Why the test is performed
• Normal Values
• What abnormal results mean
• What the risks are
• Special considerations

Menopause

• Highlights
• Introduction
• Complications
• Symptoms
• Lifestyle Changes
• Medications
• Resources
• References

• The herbal remedy black cohosh is no better than placebo for treating hot flashes and night sweats, according to a 2006 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
• Most complementary and alternative medicines are ineffective for relieving menopausal symptoms, according to a 2006 review in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

• Short-term use of HRT remains an option for recently menopausal women who have a low risk for stroke, according to a 2007 statement from the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). However, NAMS recommends that women who are at risk for heart disease or breast cancer should consider other approaches for managing hot flashes.
• For women who want to discontinue HRT, gradually tapering off the medication or stopping it abruptly appears to make little difference in the recurrence of symptoms, suggests a 2006 study. A gradual approach may delay the reappearance of symptoms, but does not prevent them from returning.