Osteoporosis should not be grouped together with grey hair in a “just part of getting old” category.
People often think that broken bones due to osteoporosis are a natural part of aging. Yet broken bones are not inevitable, as there are steps you can take throughout your life to protect your bone health – and you’re never too young or too old to take action.
An event in Mineola aims to set the record straight and teach ways to prevent osteoporosis, the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.
Osteoporosis is the most common cause of fractures. Roughly 10 million individuals over age 50 in the United States have osteoporosis of the hip. An additional 33.6 million individuals over age 50 have low bone mass of the hip and thus are at risk of osteoporosis and its potential complications later in life, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In New York State alone, at least 3 million women and men, age 50 and over, either have osteoporosis or are at significant risk of developing osteoporosis, said the New York State Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program.
“Inspiring Women: The Women’s Wellness Initiative” at Winthrop-University Hospital invites women to learn more about bone health at a free educational, entertaining event – “Fine-Tuning Your Bones” – on Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m.
The program will be held at Winthrop’s Community Outreach Center, located at 101 Mineola Boulevard at the corner of Second Street in Mineola.
Jane Greensher, coordinator of Osteoporosis Education and Research at the Winthrop Osteoporosis Diagnostic, Research and Treatment Center, will discuss research findings regarding dietary supplements, new medications, and the impact of dietary choices and lifestyle on one’s risk of developing osteoporosis. A question and answer period will follow the lecture.
Bones-strengthening exercises will be demonstrated by Grace Rowan, community outreach educator. And, with both education and entertainment in mind, Don Wang, health educator, will offer a special “fine-tuning” musical presentation.
Attendees are asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. for registration and to park in the rear of the building. Admission is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. To reserve a seat, please call 1-866-WINTHROP (1-866-946-8476)
“Inspiring Women: The Women’s Wellness Initiative” at Winthrop-University Hospital is a free community education series dedicated to the health and well-being of women. For information about this or other programs at the hospital, please call 1-866-WINTHROP.
