So we anchor formerly carefree scatter rugs to floors, put in nightlights, install safety bars near showers, bathtubs etc., wear “sensible” shoes, try not to rush so our feet are firmly planted beneath us at all times and hope for the best. But this is only half the story. Taking care of our bones is vital because a weak bone can break at any time and that alone can cause a fall. Our efforts to be careful are wasted because while we protected our environment, we neglected our bones. According to the National Women’s Health Information Center website (www.WomensHealth.gov), falls can be devastating as we age and can lead to disability, pain and loss of independence.

The dictionary defines osteoporosis as a condition that is characterized by decrease in bone mass with decreased density and enlargement of bone spaces. Since osteoporosis is generally painless, people are often unaware they even have it until a fracture occurs. 

Prevention is key and this means bone density testing, weight bearing exercise, a healthy diet and ongoing dialogue with  a physician concerning calcium and vitamin D requirements and if necessary, medication.

It is never too late to begin a good exercise program so choose an activity such as dancing, walking, biking or lifting weights. Ankle cuffs with slots for weights are good because you can simply adjust the weights based on how you are feeling at that moment. Pushing yourself to exercise when you’re experiencing pain is never a good idea.    

The New York State Department of Health website (www.health.state.ny.us) states that over 3 million New Yorkers over age 50 either have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing it. In 1997, the NYS Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program (NYSOPEP) was established to help New Yorkers “learn about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. The program is administered through the NYS Department of Health and its website contains excellent information about osteoporosis. 

Six NYSOPEP Regional Centers have been established at sites throughout New York State to provide information concerning strength training classes as well as a variety of available osteoporosis support and education groups.

Glens Falls Hospital is this area’s nearest regional center. The other five sites are Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, Stony Brook University, in Stony Brook, Long Island, Suny Upstate Medical University, in Syracuse and Osteoporosis Resource Center in Buffalo.

Local hospitals are a good source for wellness programs and the Arthritis Foundation offers exercise classes periodically. While arthritis is the inflammation of joints and therefore not the same as osteoporosis, it is not uncommon for an older person to have both conditions.

Fortunately, exercise is beneficial for each of them.              

Osteobusters is a weight bearing exercise program to strengthen bones and increase bone mass and is administered through the Saratoga Office of the Aging through its Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Classes are conducted twice a week at 10 sites. Billy Jo McConkey is the Program Administrator and her telephone number is 884-4110. There is no charge for the classes and weights are provided.  

Warren County’s Osteobuster Exercise Program is available at 9 locations and Lois Weigert, the Osteobuster Coordinator, can be reached at 518-792-3233.  

Kelly Pilkey is the NYSOPEP Program Manager in Warren County’s Glens Falls Hospital and her telephone number is 518-926-5919. Kelly recently distributed blank quilt squares to various groups throughout her jurisdiction. The groups decorated the squares and they became part of one of several Osteoporosis themed quilts which were on display at Empire State Plaza for two weeks in May. All six regional centers participated.

The three quilts have now been bound together into one large beautiful quilt which is now traveling throughout the state’s six regional centers so that each areas residents can view it and learn about resources for dealing with this often debilitating condition.   

The National Women’s Health Information Center reports that “Powerful Bones, Powerful Girls is a national education effort to help daughters build healthy bones and increase calcium in their diets”. The site is www.cdc.gov/powerfulbones. Another site that “provides parents with information to help their daughters build bones during the critical window of bone growth –ages 9-12” is www.cdc.gov/powerfulbones/parents.

Finally, if you or an older relative or friend live outside of New York State, advise them to contact their state department of health, local office for the aging, area hospitals and the Arthritis Foundation to determine what programs they can join. In addition to offering Tai Chi classes, the Arthritis Foundation has a wide variety of booklets free of charge addressing issues such as managing your pain, stress and fatigue, medication and range of motion, to name just a few.

Janet  Cohren 

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