Statins Do Not Increase Risk of Death by Suicide in Men Over 60

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have read that there is a correlation between the use of statins and suicide in men over 60, especially if they have suffered from chronic depression. Can you tell me if this has been studied more? -- K.M.

ANSWER: This concern has been studied extensively. An older class of cholesterol medication, the fibrates, was associated with a small increased risk of suicide and violent deaths, in several large studies. However, a very large study published in 2020 showed no increase in risk of death by suicide among those taking statin drugs. In fact, that study, as well as several others, have shown a decrease in depression risk among statin users. Statins have even been found to be (modestly) effective in treatment of drug-resistant depression.

Men over 60 are certainly at a higher risk from death by suicide, but statin drugs do not appear to increase that risk. Anyone with thoughts of hurting themselves should seek care from their doctor, a mental health professional, or the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 in the U.S. and 833-456-4566 in most Canadian provinces. ***

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 74. I have always been described as small-boned. I am on a statin, but otherwise, I’m healthy. I was recently diagnosed with osteopenia. I do not eat dairy, but I do take vitamin D. I am vegetarian and eat lots of tofu. I am very concerned about taking any additional medicines. Suggestions, please? -- F.M.D.

ANSWER: Osteopenia, or low bone density, is analogous to borderline diabetes or elevated blood pressure. It’s not a disease in itself, but it puts you in a range between the healthiest condition and one that can put you at risk. In the case of osteopenia, you are at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis, which, in turn, puts you at a high risk for a fracture, especially one of the spine or the hip. We do not normally treat low bone density with medicine. Lifestyle interventions to help slow loss of bone density include not only the calcium and vitamin D you are taking, but I especially recommend exercise. Weight-bearing, musclestrengthening and posture exercises are proven to help. Smokers should quit.

You should have gotten a T-score on your report, which compares your bone density for a given bone to a healthy young adult. The worse the T-score, the closer you are to osteoporosis, which is a T score below -2.5. Depending on how close you are to osteoporosis, the sooner your bone density test should be repeated. People with osteoporosis should be considered for medication. I understand your concern about taking more medicine than you need, but you really don’t want a hip fracture to occur.

***

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

HONEOYE FALLS STORAGE, LLC will sell at Public Auction for CREDIT ONLY all the personal property stored by the following: Tyler Lincourt- HF12. e Auction will take place at 12:00 PM, Friday, February 24, 2023 e sale shall be held online at www.StorageTreasures.com

Facility O ce: 21 Norton St. • Honeoye Falls, NY 14472

NOTICE TO BIDDERS:

INVITATION TO BID: DiMarco Constructors LLC of 1950 Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Rd, Rochester, NY 14623 is requesting bids for the Pines of Perinton Project Fairport, NY from subcontractors/suppliers.

DiMarco Constructors, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is requesting registered NYS MBE/WBE/SDVOSB business participation. This is a HUD Section 3 Project with contracting priorities for businesses that hire or are owned by low-income persons. Insurance requirements apply.

Bids are due February 23, 2023

For information contact Eric Panipinto at 585-272-7760 or epanipinto@DiMarcoGroup.com

Gas Station Thanks

Thank you so very much for the young man and his daughter who paid for my gas on Thursday, February 3rd in Bloomfield. My sister and I started out to meet another sister for coffee when I realized my car was on empty. I stopped at the next gas station but was having difficulty getting my credit card to register when this gentleman put gas in my tank from his host. A very large amount of gas! Can you imagine such thoughtfulness! And I didn’t even get his name. Thank you again and bless your kindness.

Thank You Naples!

I was pleasantly surprised to find beautiful Valentines posted all along Main St. in Naples. Thank you to the organizations, businesses and individuals responsible. Made my day! Happy Valentine's Day!

Rural Road Rager

Last week I was sitting at the stop sign at the bottom of our rural and partial seasonal road, waiting for you, an oncoming car, to pass by before entering the County Rd. You decided to put on your blinker at the last minute, pull in front of me, stop, and roll down your window. You then proceeded to yell, claiming I am in your lane (not true) and ask "what am I doing?"! I said "I am turning" and sweetly said goodbye and drove off. This enraged you as you shouted expletives and laid on your horn. I thought you would come after me next, but didn't. Wow, what an angry and aggressive young man you are, triggered by something that was so nothing!

Mind My Own Business?

According to the CDC, obesity costs the Healthcare System $173 billion dollars each year. A cost we all pay in the form of higher insurance premiums. So your daily garbage plate is taking money out of my pocket. I'd say that makes it my business.

To The Anti Dog Woman

To the woman who lives on my street and hates dogs, STOP harassing me every time I simply walk by your house with my dogs. They’re NOT going to the bathroom in your yard. We are allowed to utilize the PUBLIC sidewalk. If you don’t stop I will call the police on you just like you do to everyone else on the street. Get a taste of your own medicine.

Thanks

I would like to thank all the folks who stopped and made sure I was alright on Friday morning when my Ford truck went off the road and into a ditch on Rt. 46 just before Rt. 21. I was pinned in the truck in the ditch. AAA got there three hours after it happened. I want to thank ALL who stopped to make sure I was ok. Kudos to the state trooper who also stopped.