Osteoporosis Canada has released its 2010 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Osteoporosis, which are published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The new guidelines represent a paradigm shift in the prevention and treatment of osteoporotic fractures, moving the focus from treating low bone mineral density to better identifying patients with fractures and at risk for them. CHHM has played a role in disseminating the guidelines with user groups here in the Vancouver area – as part of CHHM’s commitment to raising awareness of bone health issues and best practices to local community and beyond. 

On October 18th, 2010 Marion Poliakoff, the North Shore Osteoporosis Society President, hosted a meeting to launch the new Canadian Osteoporosis guidelines and to foster discussion among attendees. Over forty Osteoporosis Society members attended as did several health care professionals.  Dr. Khan, PhD, MD, Professor at UBC’s Department of Family Practice and CHHM Fracture Prevention Co-Theme Leader, highlighted the salient points of the guideline document  and underscored the non-pharmacologic therapy options for those with or at risk for osteoporosis, falls and vertebral fractures.  Collectively, these therapy options included recommendations of resistance training and/or weight-bearing aerobic exercise, exercises that focus on balance, directed core stability exercises and the use of hip protectors.

Dr. Khan’s presentation evoked an energetic, interactive discussion.  Attendees wanted to discuss evidence relating to recently-recognized ‘new side-effects’ of commonly-used drugs – an issue that impacts their clinical practice greatly.  Members also wanted to learn more about alternatives to pharmacological interventions; they wanted to know about the “dose” of exercise needed to optimize seniors’ health across a range of health domains.  They wanted to know how to actually improve their patient’s health through exercise and were keen to know how exercise could improve health outcomes beyond osteoporosis and fracture risk reduction, including brain, heart and mental health.  Additionally, members want to understand ‘risk factor’ calculations in greater detail. 

“I love sharing research discoveries and current guideline recommendations with the community – this is essential in promoting health,” said Dr. Khan.  “It is a significant, relatively easy way to facilitate uptake of these important findings and decisions – and Canada’s public health system will be greatly improved when clear communication of important information is prioritized.”

CHHM investigators will continue to work with the Canadian Osteoporosis Society and its sections as well as other health advocacy groups to ensure that important health messages in the areas on bone health and exercise across the lifespan are well communicated, understood and integrated into practice.