Lawrence Memorial Hospital employees Shelley Terrell, director of the post surgical unit, and Jaye Cole, director of Kreider Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, will discuss the importance of bone health at any age. They are members of the new Lawrence Healthy Bones Team, which aims to promote bone health and prevent injuries. Each year, an estimated 1.5 million people experience a fracture from a fall because of osteoporosis. The disease affects 8 million women and 2 million men in the United States.

Moderator

I am Karrey Britt, health reporter, and I will be moderating this chat. I would like to welcome Shelley Terrell and Jaye Cole, both of Lawrence Memorial Hospital, to the News Center. Thanks for coming in on this cold day.

HealthyBones

Hello to everyone in Lawrence, it is a cold winter day and we are very excited to be here to answer questions on the Healthy Bones team of Lawrence and bone health issues.

Moderator

First, tell me about the new Healthy Bones Team in Lawrence. What’s the goal?

HealthyBones

The Healthy Bones Team is a multidisciplinary team of professionals that includes physicians, nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists and other support staff who are committed to improving the bone health of those who live in Lawrence and Douglas County.

Our mission is to maximize bone health throughout the cycle of life through optimization of bone mass, maintenance of bone mass and prevention of bone loss. Hopefully through organizing community resources we can improve bone health.

Moderator

Unfortunately, I was unable to cover Dr. Richard Dell’s presentation on Thursday. What kind of information did he provide the medical team and public?

HealthyBones

First lets cover his presentation to the medical staff. His message focused on the importance of all medical care providers responsibility to address bone health. His research and success in California through the Kaiser Permamente health care system reduced the prevalence of hip fractures as a direct relationship to holding all health care practitioners responsible to address bone health as a collaborative effort. This includes pharmacists, primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, endocrinologists, physical therapists and care managers, to name a few.

This information then dove tailed into the community presentation on how we as patients can initiate conversations with our physicians to address our own bone health. He also covered preventative measures that we can implement into our diet and activity to impact the health of our bones.

Moderator

Is osteoporosis a problem in Lawrence? Can you give an example of the prevalence?

HealthyBones

Osteoporosis is not unique to Lawrence. The disease currently effects 8 million women and 2 million men in the United States. Each year an estimated 1.5 million individuals experience a fracture related to osteoporosis.

Moderator

At what age should we be concerned about getting osteoporosis and what’s the best thing to do to help prevent it?

HealthyBones

We should be concerned about the effects of osteoporosis starting with infancy. Pediatricians are now addressing vitamin D which is absent in breast milk to the teenagers who’s bone growth is at its peak are making their own drink choices of soda pop that can deplete bone mass. After the age of 30 women begin to lose bone mass. Lifestyle choices smoking, diet, lack of activity along with medications can increase bone loss.

Prevention can include ensuring appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake. Getting 20 – 30 minutes of weight bearing activity per day and having an increased awareness of medications that can adversely effect bone density. Additional concerns should be initiated with your primary care physician. This can ensure appropriate testing for those who may be at risk.

Moderator

As a youth, I didn’t drink much milk. What are some good alternatives?

HealthyBones

Some alternative choices would include: yogurt, cheeses, green leafy vegetables, nuts (almonds), calcium fortified drinks and snacks (ice cream). Lattes are a good as well and are a popular drink in today’s youth.

A good after school snack is a calcium fortified tortilla wrapped around cheese and microwaved for 30-45 seconds. Pudding or a yogurt smoothie.

Moderator

What is the Healthy Bones Team’s next step? Does the team plan to track its progress like Kaiser did? If so, how?

HealthyBones

Our next step is to implement some of the successful measures proven successful by Dr. Dell in our community. This would include increased screenings, community education on osteoporosis, specific clinical pathways when someone is admitted for a osteoporosis related fracture and balance and fall prevention programs.

Yes, we plan to track our progress, however, this will be one of challenges. Kaiser is a HMO health care system with a centralized data repository. Our challenge will be obtaining data from multiple resources.

Moderator

Unfortunately, there were no questions from the public. Is there anything else you would like the public to know?

HealthyBones

We are excited to be able to engage the community with our mission to improve bone health and reduce the health related issues that can impact lifestyles negatively.

Thank you for the opportunity!!

Moderator

Thank you for coming in. I hope our online readers find the question-and-answer session beneficial.

HealthyBones

If you were unable to participate in today’s chat please feel free to call us at 505-5000 or Connect Care at 749-5800 or LMH.org where questions can be submitted.