October

Several people have asked me recently how the BCMJ decides what to print each month. My quick response usually is that it is not really a very formal process, we just print them as we get them. However, after thinking about it a bit I realized a couple of things. First, the process is really more formal and selective than that. Second, the question needs an answer with a broader brush stroke. Finally, if there are quite a few people asking the question it is probably a good excuse to write an editorial.

There are occasional lapses in the smooth flow of contained, semi-organized electromagnetic pulses that for some strange reason result in sentience. These brief lapses in sentience we humans lightly refer to as “Oops, I’m sorry, I forgot.”

To an editor, a brief lapse means that someone forgot to write and submit a scheduled editorial and the editor (me) has to write something interesting, informative, riveting—or at the very least, humorous—in about 15 minutes.

Introduction

Introduction

A 1998 survey by the North American Menopause Society showed that 51% of postmenopausal women reported being happiest and most fulfilled between the ages of 50 and 65 compared with when they were in their 20s (10%), 30s (17%), or 40s (16%). They also reported an interest in healthy activities and in menopause information in order to make informed health decisions.[1]

Introduction

Women and their physicians now have a variety of screening, assessment, and therapeutic options for preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis. Choosing the most appropriate option is not always easy, and requires not only a basic understanding of recent progress, but also an understanding of the health goals and concerns of each woman.