OhioHealth and YMCA join forces to battle osteoporosis.
Responding to a growing community concern, OhioHealth McConnell Heart Health Center and the Marion Family YMCA are partnering in a new program to improve bone health and raise awareness about osteoporosis. Beginning January 18 in the afternoon, the program offers four classes of 30-40 minutes each that cover nutrition, medication and physical therapy, including fitness work. There is a fee for the four week program.
The physical therapy aspect of the program will focus on spine-sparing movement patterns, balance improvement and gym equipment instruction, thus giving participants tools they need to practice safe movements on their own.
Sometimes called “brittle bone disease,” osteoporosis affects 25 percent of women aged 65 and older and six percent of men, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries in Marion County are being treated for osteoporosis, according to Marion Public Health. Fractures are one of most serious complications of the disease. An osteoporosis-related fracture occurs every 15 seconds, according to the CDC. Most occur from falls, but people with osteoporosis can break a bone simply by sneezing, coughing or bending over.
The multi-faceted classes will cover the roles Vitamin D, calcium, weight-bearing exercise and prescription medications can play in the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis. Classes will address a different topic each week, with the goal to build a stronger, healthier community.
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