The Myth of Osteoporosis - Book Review

It is the NZ Osteoporosis Foundation’s claim that 56% of all women over the age of 60 will have an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. If that is the case then where are all these people and fractures? They are very dodgy stats, grossly inflated, and based on things like small changes in vertebral shape, the inclusion of all fractures including accidents in the age groups. Amazingly, there has never been an assessment of fracture rates in NZ – these stats are based on an epidemiological study done in Dubbo NSW. People are being frightened into questionable bone mineral denisty tests and, ultimately, onto preventive medications that are of questionable effectiveness and safety.

New Zealand author and health researcher, Gillian Sanson, is now a recognised international expert on osteoporosis. Gillian began her journey of discovery when routine bone density tests revealed a disturbing rate of low bone mineral density in her family, yet no there was no unusual occurence of fractures in her family. How could this be?

Her book, "The Myth of Osteoporosis", is written for the lay person. She asks and offers answers to many pertinent questions such as: "Where are all those post-meonpausal women with osteoporotic fractures?" "Are we being conned?" I wonder. And,"Are bone mineral density tests accurate; or are they causing anxiety where there is little or no cause for concern?" "Do osteoporosis drugs do more harm than good?" "Why; despite our huge consumption of dairy foods, is osteoporosis such an issue?"

I believe that the drugging of millions of women worldwide with biphosphenate drugs may become one of the worst medical scandals in history and this book confirms that something may be amiss. Gillian Sanson is onto something. Why terrorise and drug millions of women when the jury is still out about the safety and effectiveness of these drugs? Besides: There are already more effective and safe interventions like exercise, sunlight and nutrition.

This book is compelling reading and I recommend it as compulsory reading for all women who are the primary target of what is a money making machine of immense proportions, persuasion and of doubtful benefit.

For more information about osteoporosis and related health issues and to order the book go here.