The Complete Book of Bone Health would not have been possible without the assistance of numerous individuals. Dr. Julie Silver, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and chief editor of books at Harvard Health Publications, kickstarted the process. In October 2008, she taught me the nuts and bolts of publishing in her course called Medical Non-Fiction Writing for Physicians. As part of the same conference, which was produced by SEAK, Inc., I was fortunate to meet my agent Katharine Sands of Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency, who has shepherded me through the entire publication process. The hard work of editor-in-chief Steven L. Mitchell and his staff atPrometheus Books has made this up-to-date and evidence-based resource on bone health a reality.

I am especially grateful to Dr. Sally Ride for writing an insightful foreword. We share a vision of education for boosting bone health. Her endeavors through Sally Ride Science are inspiring and important for educating a new generation of girls and boys in the areas of science, math, and technology.

Friends, colleagues, and new friends gained in the process all contributed to the making of this book. Four readers were constantly ready at their computers to receive and review each chapter one by one. Dr. Mary Barry, Luanne Kittle, Sarah Wagner, and Joy Ward generously provided hours and hours of labor, advice, and encouragement. Talented Tim Gunther meticulously produced all the professional illustrations.

In an incredibly short period of time, professional editor Julie Ward exercised her skill to help me meet the word count. Sports journalist and author Jill Lieber Steeg edited line by line and did an incredible job of fact checking in a subject area far afield from sports. Julie and Amy Beattie painstakingly reviewed printed copies of the manuscript.

Numerous colleagues were generous with their time in taking my phone calls, e-mails, and questions. Special kudos are in order for Dr. Robert Heaney, Diane Claflin, Dr. Elliott Schwartz, Dr. Robert Marcus, Dr. Susan Lupo, Dr. Silvina Levis, Dr. Michael Kleerekoper, Dr. Vera Barile, Winnie Arnn, Peggy King, Janet Alexander, Dee Steinberg, and Dr. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor.

Last but most important has been the unwavering support and love provided by my husband, Dave Grundies, and my family.

Diane L. Schneider,
MD May 2011