WEST MILFORD An osteoporosis screen will be held at the Hillcrest Gymnasium, 1810 Macopin Road, West Milford, in conjunction with Chilton Memorial Hospital on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. by appointment only. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become thin and brittle, causing possible fracture of the hips, wrists and spine. This disease is prevalent in women as well as men. Half of all women over the age of 65 and one out of every eight men are afflicted. The cause of osteoporosis is unknown but there are specific risk factors, which are indicators of this health problem. Consider these facts on osteoporosis: menopause prior to age 45 is the greatest risk for women. with the increase of age, there is also an increase of one’s risk to osteoporosis. 50 percent of people have a hip fracture and will not be able to walk independently. a women’s risk of a hip fracture is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. Preventative measures include: eat a well balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. exercise regularly with emphasis on weight bearing, strength and balance activities consider hormone replacement therapy or one of the new medications available to strengthen bones. evaluate the safety of your environment. This quick and painless screening will assess the bone mineral density of the heel using a clinical bone sonometer. (Please note the participant’s foot must be bare at the time of the screening.) The screening is for residents of West Milford 30 years and older. The fee is 1. Call the West Milford Health Department at 973-728-2725 to make an appointment.