Osteoporosis

The Silent Disease 

This ‘silent disease’ characterized by bone loss and deterioration, may occur without symptoms until a fall, bump, or sudden strain causes a fracture. Osteoporosis was once thought of as an old woman’s disease, but today it affects women young and old and of all ethnic backgrounds.

Risk factors of osteoporosis:

  • Being small or having a thin build
  • Anorexia
  • Caucasian or Asian ethnicity
  • Changing hormone levels such as menopause
  • Long term use of medications such as steroids
  • Smoking and/or excess alcohol intake

Exercise is vital for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Like our muscles, bones need a moderate amount of stress to build and maintain strength. It is important that the exercise you do is specifically designed for building bone strength and targeted toward vulnerable areas such as:

  • Femoral neck – part of the hip
  • Radius – one of the bones in the wrist
  • Vertebral bodies – thick part of the bones in the spine

A healthcare professional with specific training in osteoporosis can help you decide what exercises are safe for you, in order to help rather than harm your bone health.

Bones in Balance:

Bones in Balance is a four-week program that is designed as a self-management program for anyone diagnosed with low bone density, such as osteoporosis or osteopenia, that also has associated pain or postural changes. Each week, a healthcare professional speaks on an important topic including:

  • An overview of bone density testing and review of each individuals test results
  • A review of calcium supplements
  • A healthy, calcium-rich diet
  • Medications used to treat low bone density
  • Emotional issues that may come about after being diagnosed with low bone density
  • Weight-bearing exercises designed to strengthen bones

Enrollment is limited to eight participants for each month-long class. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Center for Outpatient Services. Registration is required at least one month prior. A fee of $25 covers the cost of educational materials, the balance of the tuition is billable to insurance. As Bones in Balance incorporates physical therapy services into each class, a physician's order is required to attend.

For more information, or to make an appointment, call (269) 556-7150

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