Health
January 29, 2008 09:53 AM
beingwell magazine Winter 2008
Chances are, if you’re among the 1.4 million Canadians suffering from osteoporosis, you already know what it’s like to break a bone — a long hospital stay and difficulty getting around. A Canadian research team is using a type of super glue that will help patients with broken backs get out of the hospital quickly and return to an active life.
With the support of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Dr. Gamal Baroud of the University of Sherbrooke and his research team are improving how surgeons work with
this super glue during a procedure called vertebroplasty, used mainly for broken spines.
“When we talk about the hip, you can cut it out and put (in) a piece of metal and it will work again,” he says. “But when we talk about the spine, the nerve canal goes through the
vertebrae, so you can’t cut it out and put in a replacement.”
“You have to repair it. There’s really no other treatment at this time.”
During vertebroplasty, a needle is guided to the spine and a small amount of liquid cement is injected into the break. The cement hardens in just 20 minutes, strengthening the bone, similar to strengthening a house’s foundation by filling cracks with cement.
“Once done, up to 90 per cent of patients can walk pain-free,” Dr. Baroud says.
So, instead of days or weeks in the hospital, patients can leave after only a few hours.
But the procedure is not without risks. One is the chance the liquid cement could leak out of the bone, damaging the vertebrae and potentially being lethal.
Dr. Baroud and his team are working to reduce these risks and build a better product. They are experimenting with new mineral cements that closely resemble bone in the hope these new cements will actually help the bone rebuild itself.
In the future, Dr. Baroud says, the technique could be used for all kinds of broken bones.
“I think this will expand not only in the spine but also in … the tibia, wrist and femur.”
MDs studying impact of antidepressants on bones
For millions of Canadians, daily doses of antidepressants are essential for maintaining a healthy mental and emotional state.
Although antidepressants may benefit the mind, new research raises questions about their effect on the body.
Supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, McGill University researcher Dr. David Goltzman examined bone health in people older than 50 who were taking a popular form of anti-depressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Dr. Goltzman leads a team of researchers at the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study. SSRIs help keep depression at bay by increasing the impact of a chemical called serotonin; an important mood regulator.
More than 5,000 people taking SSRIs had their bones tested using x-rays and a special machine called a bone densitometer,once at the beginning of the study and a second time five years later.
The research team found people over 50 who took SSRIs daily were twice as likely to have weaker hip bones and vertebra. These factors increase the risk of breaking bones.
“In our view, SSRIs are good medications for depressed patients. When they are correctly
prescribed, they work well and they shouldn’t be stopped,” Dr. Goltzman says.
“All medication will have side effects and this is an important side effect, but it’s not something we think should stop people from using it."
However, Dr. Goltzman also notes therapies using SSRIs for treating depression, especially among the elderly, may need to include strategies for preventing osteoporosis.
“We think patients should have a bone mineral density test both at the start and at regular
intervals after SSRIs are given to see if they have low bone density,” Dr. Goltzman says. “If bone mineral density is worsening on the SSRIs, then they should have life style measures introduced to prevent osteoporosis.”
This means ensuring people on SSRIs get enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet, exercise regularly, stop using tobacco and drink moderately. It’s good advice for people on SSRIs and for those of us who just want to maintain good bone health now and in the future.
Pet ownership may stave off depression
As our population ages, health concerns among the baby boom generation affect all of us in some way. What if there was a natural way to help lower blood pressure, increase activity and ward off depression for seniors?
Pet ownership may be a solution.
Studies by respected researchers have proved the positive benefits boomers derive from the companionship of a pet. That’s why animal rescue shelters across the nation encourage pet adoptions by members of this generation.
Dr. Diane Pomerance, certified grief recovery specialist and author of the new book Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion For You, says the companionship of a pet is a big boost for the baby boom generation.
“When they feel isolated because their families are far away and they’re all alone, the love and connection they feel with a dog or cat can dramatically change their outlook,” says Dr. Pomerance. “A pet provides a sense of purpose and helps ward off isolation and depression.”
Researchers have discovered a multitude of physical, mental and emotional benefits of pet ownership for seniors. Pets, be it a cat or dog, help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and keep seniors more. According to the Pets for the Elderly Foundation, senior pet owners also take better care of themselves and have 21 per cent fewer visits to the doctor compared to non-pet owners, with shorter hospital stays than the average person.
Animal companions can also help them deal with grief and loss, which unfortunately, are common issues for baby boomers.
“No one likes talking about death, but the fact is, as we get older and start outliving our friends, our spouses and our siblings, we face tremendous loss and loneliness,” says Dr. Pomerance. “The unconditional love of a pet can be a great comfort when you’re grieving and struggling to deal with a roller coaster of emotions.”
While the benefits of pet ownership are indeed great, seniors need to make some careful considerations before heading to a shelter to adopt a pet. Dr. Pomerance has come up with a list of questions they should ask to determine how to choose the best pet for their situation:
• Do I have enough space for the type of pet I want?
• Do I want a pet that is full of energy or one that is mellow?
• Am I able to take my pet for walks?
• Do I have time to regularly feed and exercise my animal companion?
• Can I handle cleaning a litter box or cleaning up after a dog?
• Is the pet’s temperament suited to mine?
• Do I understand the costs involved in caring for this pet?
• If I become seriously ill or die, who will care for my pet?