Raising Awareness on Osteoporosis During National Osteoporosis Month

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are shedding light on osteoporosis this May, marking National Osteoporosis Month. Each year, two million Americans suffer broken bones due to osteoporosis, often without knowing they have the condition. Nearly 60% of adults over 50 are at risk. Women are particularly vulnerable, experiencing fractures more frequently than heart attacks, strokes, or breast cancer combined. Experts recommend strengthening bones through proper calcium and vitamin D intake, regular exercise, healthy habits, and consulting with healthcare providers. To learn more or schedule a screening, contact your local First Choice Healthcare Clinic or visit henrystarkhealth.com.

First Choice Healthcare Clinics staff and the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommend five steps to improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis.

1. Get the calcium and vitamin D you need every day.
2. Do regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises.
3. Don’t smoke, and don’t drink too much alcohol.
4. Talk to your healthcare provider about your chance of getting osteoporosis and ask when you should have a bone density test.
5. Take an osteoporosis medication when it’s right for you.

Here are some important facts about osteoporosis:

• Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone that makes a person’s bones weak and more likely to break. Approximately 9 million Americans have osteoporosis, and another 43 million have low bone density, placing them at increased risk.
• This means that nearly 60% of adults age 50 and older are at risk of breaking a bone and should be concerned about bone health.
• One in two women and up to one in four men will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis. For women, the incidence is greater than that of heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer combined.
• There is no cure for osteoporosis, but there are steps you can take to prevent, slow, or stop its progress. Diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle are keys to preventing and managing the disease.

For more information about our First Choice Healthcare Clinics and any of our women’s health services or to schedule an appointment, just call Kewanee at (309) 852-5272, Colona at (309) 792-4011, or Toulon at (309) 852-3115, or visit www.henrystarkhealth.com, or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.