“Are You at the Breaking Point?”

Alleghany Regional Hospital will present a program on the prevention and management of Osteoporosis entitled “Are You at the Breaking Point?” on Tuesday, September 18th, at 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room B of the hospital. Beth Zierler, DPT and physical therapist for the hospital, will discuss information about this debilitating disease. The program is free and open to the public.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. Each year in the United States this disease leads to 1.5 million fractures.

Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.

Millions of Americans are at risk. It is a major health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans. While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis.
 
Beth Zierler, DPT, has practiced physical therapy at Alleghany Regional Hospital since 1994 and has seen the affects of osteoporosis in her patients. She has a special interest in the prevention and management of this debilitating disease. Anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to attend this free program. In order to provide adequate seating and refreshments, please call Medline (888-633-4860) to register for this program.