Wellness Center

Osteoporosis

Bone Basics for All Ages
Osteoporosis Prevention & Management Community Education Class

Osteoporosis is a condition of low bone mass resulting from an excess of bone resorption over bone formation. Osteoporosis is a bone disease, often known as "the silent thief" because it robs individuals of their bone strength without causing symptoms. Most people don't know they have osteoporosis until a bone break occurs.

Signs of advanced osteoporosis include a broken bone, typically at the hip, spine, wrist or ankle. Spine fractures cause back pain or tiredness, loss of more than one inch of height, a stooped rounded-shoulder appearance or hump forming in the upper back. Sometimes, you can have a vertebral (spine) fracture without even knowing it.

There are potentially modifiable risk factors for developing osteoporosis. Identifying your risk factors can help you and your medical provider determine your risk for developing osteoporosis and implementing the appropriate management.

Bone Basics Program

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent and manage osteoporosis. The Johnson Clinic and the Heart of America Medical Center have designed a program called BONE BASICS FOR ALL AGES. Its purpose is to provide education on lifestyle modifications you can make to maintain good bone density (strength).

Our program works with your medical provider to help you make good choices in the following areas that influence bone growth and fracture prevention:

A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D Weight bearing exercises Postural exercises Home safety and fall prevention Medications

Please review your current medications with your medical provider. Certain medications such as corticosteroids may increase your risk for developing osteoporosis.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you are considered at risk for osteoporosis. The more that apply to you, the greater your risk.

My older relatives have a history of broken bones. I'm "petite" or thin, weighing less than 127 lbs. I drink heavily. I smoke. I consume a lot of caffeine and/or salt. My spine curves forward more than in the past. I have recently fractured my hip, wrist or spine. I'm not sure if I get enough calcium in my diet. I don't like dairy products or I have a dairy intolerance. I don't exercise much. I take thyroid medication, anti-convulsive medication or cortisone-like drugs. For Women My ovaries have been removed. I've reached menopause. I had early menopause. I've never been pregnant. Before menopause, I had long periods of amenorrhea (absence of menstrual cycle).

Bone Basics for All Ages is a group class for men and women. The class is held 4 times a year and is an hour long. Please review your risk factors with your medical provider. They can refer you to the class. Fill out the registration information below. You will then be contacted regarding the specific time and location of the class. Bone Basics for All Ages Patient Registration First Name: Last Name: Address: Street: City: State: Zip: Telephone: Home: -- Work: -- Medical Provider: The class is made possible in part by a grant from the St. Joseph's Community Health Foundation & Life Inc. Heart of America Medical Center (701)776-5261 Ext. 209 COPYRIGHT NOTICE © 2010 Heart of America Medical Center. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Datawareservices®