果冻影院

Section of the Spine Osteoporosis and Calcium Disorders Clinic Team

• Richard Hariman, MD
• Denise Teves Qualler, MD
• Joan Neuner, MD
• Joseph Shaker, MD
• Jeremiah Barrett, PA

The Osteoporosis and Calcium Disorders Clinic team strives to educate individuals as well as the public on issues such as:

• Self-management
• Guidance
• Exercise
• Self-help services and groups

The team strives to educate the public by supplying information on the disease processes and self-help groups. For additional self-help information, brochures, and pamphlets, please visit the Arthritis Foundation website.

Patients will be counseled regarding:

• Risk factors, including home safety and fall prevention strategies will be discussed. Individuals will be provided with a home safety checklist to enable them to identify and alter situations in their homes/living environments that could contribute to falls.
  
  
• Modify risk behaviors. Individuals are instructed modifying risk behaviors, nutritional assessment with emphasis on adequate calcium consumption and review weight bearing exercises/activity program. If balance or back muscle weakness problems are identified, referral will be made to an osteoporosis physical therapy program.

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the bones. Individuals with osteoporosis have bones that have become thin due to demineralization and are therefore at increased risk for fracture. Bone fractures are not only painful but can lead to loss off function and loss of independence. Bone fractures can also contribute to the death of individuals. In the United States it is estimated that there are 10 million people with osteoporosis. Fortunately, osteoporosis is a treatable condition. The benefits of treatment are the prevention of bone fracture and the maintenance/improvement of bone density.

Home safety and fall prevention strategies will be discussed. Individuals will be provided with a home safety checklist to enable them to identify and alter situations in their homes/living environments that could contribute to falls.

Information on the purpose of osteoporosis medications will be provided. This will include medications currently approved by the FDA for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Proper dosing schedule and side effects will be reviewed with patients.