By Staff
ST. JOSEPH – Lakeland Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Lakeland Rehabilitation Services, Niles, are offering Bones in Balance, a four-week program designed to teach those diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopenia how to successfully live with the disease through self-management. Bones in Balance incorporates education and exercise and is led by specially trained physical therapists. The program includes valuable self-management tips from a pharmacist, registered dietitian, nurse educator, and medical social worker.
Bones in Balance classes are available both in St. Joseph and in Niles. In St. Joseph, classes meet twice a week each month on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a four-week period, at the Lakeland Center for Outpatient Services, 3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph. The next set of classes will run July 7 through July 30. Participants may register for either morning sessions, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., or evening sessions, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
For residents of the Niles-Buchanan area, classes meet twice a week each month on Mondays and Thursdays for a four-week period, at Lakeland Rehabilitation Services, Niles, at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, 905 N. Front Street, Niles. The next set of classes will run July 6 through July 30, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that affects over 44 million Americans, and although both men and women can develop the disease, over 80 percent of sufferers are women over the age of 45. Osteoporosis is commonly referred to as "the silent disease," because bone loss occurs without any visible symptoms at first. Many people don't realize they have osteoporosis until their bones are so weak that the smallest strain or fall causes a bone to fracture.
A physician's order is required for Bones in Balance, and the class is billable to insurance. There is a $25 registration fee. For more information or to register, call (269) 556-7150 in St. Joseph or (269) 683-6800 in Niles, or visit www.lakelandhealth.org.