Tuesday, May 24, 2011
May is Osteoporosis and Prevention Month, and Presbyterian is encouraging people of all ages to be proactive and take care of their bone health. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, an estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and 34 million more have low bone mass.
While commonly associated with older women, osteoporosis isn’t just for the elderly. Men and women can be affected by as early as age 40. Twenty percent of those affected are men. Once men reach age 50, they are more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than they are to get prostate cancer.
Presbyterian Osteoporosis Center offers many services that can help diagnose, treat, and prevent osteoporosis, including:
- Bone mass screenings
- Individual consultations with a physical therapist and dietitian
- Personalized evaluation and treatment plans based on flexibility, strength and balance
- Group education classes taught by a physical therapist and dietitian focusing on improving your quality of life
“Having osteoporosis doesn’t mean your life is over. Presbyterian Osteoporosis Center can help educate those affected by osteoporosis, as well as inform those who may be at risk in the future,” says Maria Little, manager of Presbyterian Osteoposis.
Even though osteoporosis may not strike until adulthood, it’s important to learn about preventing osteoporosis at a young age. 85 percent of adult bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls, and age 20 in boys. Exercising can help prevent osteoporosis, and if you already are affected by osteoporosis, exercising will help maintain the bone mass you have, while building muscle and endurance.
For more information on osteoporosis, or to schedule an appointment with Presbyterian Osteoporosis Center, visit www.presbyterian.org/strongbones or call 704-384-7510.
