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36 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 24, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com New osteoporosis medication includes Vitamin D By Wilma Blokhuis OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Fosamax, once considered the wonder drug for osteoporosis, brittle bone disease, has been replaced. In its place, patients may be prescribed Fosavance, which combines the medical ingredient of Fosamax with Vitamin D, in one tablet to be taken once a week. "It's an improvement over the old Fosamax because Vitamin D is built into the same tablet," said Dr. Aliya Khan of the Oakville Bone Centre, Director of the Calcium Disorders Clinic at St. Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton and Professor of Clinical Medicine, Endocrinology and Geriatrics, at McMaster University. "Now doctors will know their (osteoporosis) patients are getting enough Vitamin D. More than 60 per cent of osteoporosis patients who are taking calcium and Vitamin D don't have the correct Vitamin D level," she said. The new medicine containing 2,800 IU (international units) of Vitamin D and 70 mg of alendronate sodium (Fosamax) became available a few days ago. Fosavance will provide a significant portion of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin D, according to a recent study of 717 patients who showed significant higher levels of Vitamin D after only 15 weeks of treatment. "It's a really great product," continued Dr. Khan. "By providing Vitamin D in the same tablet it helps patients achieve normal Vitamin D levels. We need Dr. Aliya Khan Vitamin D to make bones healthy and strong and it's also necessary for our muscles to work properly. "About 97 per cent of people with fractures in hospital have inadequate levels of Vitamin D," she continued. "Having enough Vitamin D is very important in preventing fractures. About 97 per cent of patients hospitalized for a fracture had inadequate Vitamin D. Getting enough Vitamin D is very important in preventing fractures." Vitamin D levels can be checked with a blood test, said Dr. Khan, noting people who take anti-convalescent drugs may have Vitamin D deficiencies as those who have malabsorption of fat. "People with Crohn's, cystic fibrosis and celiac diseases will likely have a Vitamin D deficiency," said Dr. Khan. If the body has problems absorbing fat from fatty foods such as egg yolks, fatty fish and milk, then there are problems with absorbing Vitamin D, leading to deficiencies, she said. "Older people should also be checked. The skin makes Vitamin D from sunshine, but in many older people, the skin is too thin. Also, with the increased use of sunscreens because of skin cancer concerns, Vitamin D formation in the skin is blocked." Dr. Khan believes individuals over 50 require at least 1,000 units of Vitamin D each day "to maintain normal bone strength. Some need more." About 1.4 million Canadians, about one in four women and one in eight men over age 50 develop osteoporosis. Dr. Khan added people who are obese, have chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia "may actually have a Vitamin D deficiency. "If we correct their Vitamin D deficiency, their symptoms could go away." For more information call the Oakville Bone Centre at 905-844-5677. Big Bike coming to town Big Bike is coming to Oakville on Saturday, July 8. Mayor Ann Mulvale will kick off the Big Bike for Stroke event at the Oakville, Milton District Real Estate Board, 125 Navy St., at 9 a.m., and will send the Big Bike on its way towards its goal of $50,000 for the Town of Oakville. The Big Bike for Stroke is an annual event hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. The Big Bike is also riding on Wednesday July 5, 3 9 p.m., at Sobeys at Lakeshore and Bronte Roads. The community is encouraged to participate in the fun-filled day by donating or by volunteering. The Heart and Stroke Foundation leads the way in protecting the health of millions at risk of heart disease and stroke-now and for generations to come-by raising funds for research, public education and advocacy. The Big Bike will travel across Canada, visit more than 200 communities across nine provinces and put a smile on more than 54,000 riders' faces raising a staggering $7 million. In Oakville, 11 organizations will ride the 1,920-lb. bike which include CIBC, Dana Corporation, The Fire Hall, Halton Healthcare, Hilton Garden Inn, Home Depot, Investors Group, Oakville Milton and District Real Estate Board, Quality Hotel & Suites, VSM Abrasives and the Women's Club. There are still have a few ride times available. If your company would like to experience this one-of-a-kind in Canada bike built for 30, contact the Halton region office at 905-634-7732 or email rgooch@hsf.on.ca. 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