St. Joseph Mercy Oakland launches new Bone Health and Lifetime Wellness Program
October 24, 2018For Immediate Release
Contact:
Bobby Maldonado
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System
248-858-6662
Bobby.Maldonado@stjoeshealth.org
October 25, 2018
Program seeks to combat osteoporosis among older population
PONTIAC, Mich. (October 25, 2018) — St. Joseph Mercy Oakland is currently accepting patients to its new Bone Health and Lifetime Wellness Program. This new patient offering is one of the few comprehensive treatment programs in Oakland County designed to combat osteoporosis, a silent affliction that affects roughly fifty percent of women and twenty five percent of men over the age of 50.
"The good news is that it is possible to stop and even reverse the ravages of osteoporosis, preventing future fractures and having stronger bones for the rest of your life," said Bruce Henderson, MD, a St. Joseph Mercy Oakland orthopedic surgeon and medical director of the new program. "More importantly, proper treatment for good bone health can lead to major improvements in a patient's health and lifetime wellness."
Osteoporosis is the gradual thinning and weakening of the bones that occurs as people age. If not treated, it could lead to a fragility fracture. A fragility fracture is a broken bone caused by a low trauma injury. Fragility fractures of the spine or hip can cause great pain, deformity, disability and even death, yet few patients receive appropriate evaluation and treatment for their underlying disease.
This innovative new program, available inside the hospital's main campus, works proactively with patients to achieve optimal bone health while lowering the risk of other health-related problems, such as colds, influenza, strokes, heart disease and even cancer.
The program includes:
- A review of personal and family history looking for risk factors
- A basic laboratory and upgraded bone density test
- Lifestyle counseling regarding exercise, nutrition and smoking cessation
- Proper use of supplements and prescriptions if necessary
To learn more about the Bone Health and Lifetime Wellness Program at St. Joe's, please visit stjoesoakland.org/bone-health program or call 248-858-6113.