Take a STAND against Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures, especially of the hip, spine, and wrist. The bad news is that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men, 50 years and older, will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Breaking a bone when you´re older can be very serious. Many times it leads to immobility, and 20% of seniors who break a hip will die within one year. The good news is that osteoporosis is preventable, detectable, and treatable.

Barrington Orthopedic Specialists creates awareness about osteoporosis and its prevention and treatment, as well as, encourages people to take action to protect their bone health. Our Take a STAND against Osteoporosis program provides:

• Osteoporosis risk assessment 
• Screen for future fracture risk
• Bone mineral density testing (click here for more information about bone mineral density testing and preparing for a DXA scan)
• Collaboration with your primary care provider
• 90-minute interactive exercise class led by our licensed athletic trainers is designed to help prevent and fight osteoporosis with strength, flexibility and balance training 
• Support from our multidisciplinary osteoporosis team-physicians, physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists, licensed athletic trainers and technologists.

What are you doing to protect your bones? It is never too late to start protecting your bones, but it´s best to begin while you´re young. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends the following 5 steps to bone health:

1. Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
2. Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise.
3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
4. Talk to your doctor about bone health.
5. When appropriate, have a bone density test and take medication.

Find out whether you are at risk: click here to take the Osteoporosis Risk Assessment

Barrington Orthopedic Specialists' Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Clinic:
Clinic hours:  Wednesday and Friday mornings
Location: 1030 W. Higgins Road Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

For an appointment or more information about Take a STAND against Osteoporosis, please call 847-285-4200. 
Click here to find out when the next Osteoporosis Exercise Class is being held.