In a just-released study in the New England Journal of Medicine, New Zealand researchers published a provocative conclusion: For older women who have moderate bone loss (known as osteopenia), as opposed to full-blown osteoporosis, treatment with an osteoporosis drug (zoledronate) can sharply reduce the risk of bone fractures. Previously, there has been concern about the rare side effects of zoledronate and other bisphosphonates used in patients with osteoporosis.  However, this new research found that using zoledronate in women with osteopenia had virtually no side effects, and resulted in a ⅓ reduction in total fractures when used in thousands of study participants over age 65 with osteopenia. To learn more about this important new research, click here. And while it’s necessary to discuss this treatment option with your own physician, it could be a valuable new tool for those who are at risk for potentially life-altering bone fractures. And for some general advice and guidance on how to prevent osteoporosis from affecting you, pour yourself a glass of milk and read this new post from Dr. Patricia Allen in Women’s Voice For Change.