By Gwen El­lert, RN, Med, Alan Low, PharmD, CCD, John Wade, MD, FRCPC. 2011. ISBN 978-0-9692210-3-6. Paperback: 130 pages. $16.46.

This is the third edition of a comprehensive book on osteoporosis written by the same local authors. It is primarily a resource directed to individuals with osteoporosis or those at risk for osteoporosis, but it is also an excellent guide for primary care physicians and other health care professionals. It builds on the previous editions, particularly with respect to strategies for osteoporosis prevention and recommendations for treatment. It is well written with information explained in clear, understandable terms.

The book starts out with an explanation of bone physiology and the effects of aging and hormonal changes on bone. This is followed by a detailed section on osteoporosis prevention, including an illustrated chapter on exercise, which I found very useful. Next is a section on risk assessment for fracture—new tools since the last edition—and a section on osteoporosis treatments, reviewing indications for older therapies and the new therapies available. Finally, the book features recommendations on how to man­age life with osteoporosis, en­couraging individuals to take responsibility for education and self-care. Each chapter ends with a summary emphasizing key points. The last chapter offers some common clinical examples of patients with osteoporosis and a list of resources available for further information.

I have recommended the previous editions to patients who said they found them very helpful. I highly recommend this revised book as it is a much superior version.
—SEH