WEST MILFORD — It is estimated that 44 million Americans age 50 and older are at risk of breaking a bone due to osteoporosis and low bone mass. Osteoporosis is known as the ‘silent disease’ because there are no symptoms of bone loss until a fracture or break occurs.
In order to help raise awareness and prevent problems that can result from osteoporosis, the West Milford Health Department and Chilton Memorial Hospital are providing a low-cost osteoporosis screening on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the West Milford Health Department. This quick and painless screening will assess the bone mineral density of the heel by using a clinical bone sonometer (ultrasound). The participant’s foot must be bare at the time of the screening.
Osteoporosis commonly causes fractures of the spine, forearm and hip. While everyone loses bone mass with age, not everyone develops osteoporosis. Common risk factors for osteoporosis are increased age, gender, family history, small/petite body size, smoker or previous smoker, excessive alcohol use, diet low in calcium and vitamin D, history of eating disorder, physical inactivity, fractures and certain drug treatments. While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men can also suffer from osteoporosis.
A Chilton health educator will also provide educational counseling and information at the screening. The cost of this service is $10 and it is open to West Milford residents only. This is not intended for those who already have Osteoporosis.
Pre-registration is required. To make an appointment, or for more information, contact the West Milford Health Department at 973-728-2725.