DEAR DR. GOTT: I am uncertain about the best way to send a letter to you. Is email a possibility with my letter attached as a document, or should I write to the Lakeville (CT) address by snail mail? Or should I write to the mailing address in my local newspaper, which is c/o United Media at 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016? Thank you for the clarification.

DEAR READER: If you have access to a computer, you can contact me through my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com. Simply click on the “contact” button, where your question can be asked in as much detail as you would like. There’s no need for an attachment. I review all email correspondence. Or, use the U.S. Postal Service, directing your mail to Dr. Peter Gott, P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039.It appears there are several addresses for me in local newspapers. Some publications use their own address, others the New York address. These are not recommended, as the mail takes a while to get to me in Lakeville if sent to a local paper, and the New York address is no longer active.——————DEAR DR. GOTT: Is it safe to take Prilosec daily as long as I am taking calcium citrate to protect my bones?

DEAR READER: Drugs such as Prilosec are used as acid suppressors and are believed to be the second-leading- selling medication worldwide. In May 2010, the Food and Drug Administration determined that Nexium, Dexilant, Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Protonix and Aciphex might include a warning on their labels regarding the possibility of fracture risk, stating proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may interfere with the ability of our digestive tracts to absorb calcium.Just this month The New York Times ran an article indicating that some medications, including PPIs, may increase our risk for bone loss and hip fracture. Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium — medications primarily recommended to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and other conditions that result from excess stomach acid — were listed.Reinforcing the concerns of U.S. health care officials, new Korean research, published in the May/June issue of the journal Annals of Family Medicine, confirms the long-term use of PPIs is linked to an increased fracture risk. Studies also revealed an elevation of fractures in people taking H2 blockers such as Zantac and Pepcid, which are also used for the relief of heartburn. Unfortunately, H2 blockers are less powerful than PPIs and work less effectively. The study was limited, however, by a lack of access to individual data that might have affected each individual’s fracture risks.Long-term use of PPIs has also been associated with low magnesium levels, often in conjunction with low calcium levels. Magnesium is necessary for energy production, cell signaling and nutrient interactions. Calcium is necessary for the normal functioning of nerves, cells, muscle and bone.Without knowing your age and complete medical history, I recommend you return to your primary care physician, who has all your information to determine if the Prilosec/calcium citrate combination is adequate, safe and effective.

—————-Readers who would like related information can order my Health Report “Osteoporosis” by sending a self- addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title, or print an order form from my website’s direct link: www.AskDrGottMD.com/order—form.pdf.