National Osteoporosis Awareness Month kicks off today and as part of the annual observance, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is calling on women and men to start conversations about bone health and family history as the first step to protecting themselves and future generations from osteoporosis.
In the U.S today, about 10 million individuals have osteoporosis and another 34 million have low bone density, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis and broken bones.
To help raise awareness and protect future generations from osteoporosis DMU is joining with the National Osteoporosis Foundation and calling on men and women of all ages to join the conversation by:
- Talking with family members and loved ones about bone health, calcium, vitamin D, exercise and other ways to prevent osteoporosis;
- Asking their healthcare provider about their osteoporosis risk factors and when to get a bone density test; and
- Striving to get enough calcium, vitamin D, and bone healthy exercise everyday.
Here are a few DMU-related ways that you can start to educate yourself:
- Stop by to schedule a bone density test or contact your doctor to order/arrange a bone density test at Des Moines University Clinic Radiology.
- Learn about pelvic anatomy and how bladder and pelvic muscle health are related to osteoporosis and balance by attending the DMPS Community Education class Bones, Bottoms and Balance with DMU’s Libby Trausch.
