The Osteoporosis Center at Helen Hayes Hospital, which brings together the expertise of the hospital's Regional Bone and Clinical Research Centers, is internationally recognized as a leader in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a disease which causes weakening of the bones and a loss of bone mass, often resulting in debilitating fractures and disability. Affecting males and females, the disorder is most prevalent among post-menopausal women.
The Center at HHH provides a full scope of services in the prevention, identification and treatment of osteoporosis. Drawing on our cutting-edge research, the expertise of a diverse team of specialists, the high quality of our bone density measurement program, and the unparalleled depth and range of services available within the physical rehabilitation hospital, the Center is well equipped to help individuals build and maintain healthy bones, and recuperate from disabling fractures. What sets the Osteoporosis Center at Helen Hayes Hospital apart, and has earned it a reputation for excellence, is its comprehensive approach to care.
Our Staff
The Osteoporosis Center is staffed by a diversified team of specialists, including physicians with specialties in endocrinology and internal medicine. They are supported by radiation technologists, physical therapists, nutritionists and nurses, as well as research scientists.
Services
The Osteoporosis Center provides a full range
of services including:
Bone Density Testing:
State-of-the-art bone densitometers evaluate a person's risk for osteoporosis and measure current bone mass. A bone density test is a simple, low-dose X-ray test that can easily diagnose osteoporosis. At menopause, all women are urged to discuss the need for a bone density test with their healthcare provider.
Physician Evaluation/Counseling:
Appointments can be made
with board certified, specialty physicians who can diagnosis
and treat osteoporosis and its complications.
Physical Therapy:
Therapists who specialize in bone and muscle
disorders provide both inpatient and outpatient therapy to
help restore mobility following fracture.
Exercise Classes:
Both aquatic therapy, and specialized exercise
classes in the hospital's Wellness
Center, are available to maintain strength and improve posture, balance and flexibility
Support Groups:
Speakers educate participants about the latest medications, nutrition, exercise, and safety strategies for strong bones. Groups meet at the hospital and at off-site centers.
Research Opportunities:
Individuals who qualify are welcome and encouraged to participate in ongoing research studies that examine new medications and prevention modalities. For information, please call 845-786-4804.
Who Can Benefit?
Individuals at high risk for osteoporosis,
in particular postmenopausal women and elderly men and women,
can benefit from prevention and early detection. These include:
• all women older than 65 and all men older than 70
• women after menopause or those who have had
their ovaries
surgically removed
• individuals who are underweight for height
• individuals taking steroids (prednisone,
cortisone, etc.)
for more than
three months
• individuals with chronic kidney, liver, intestinal
or lung disease
• individuals with a history of endocrine disorders
(thyroid,
pituitary, adrenal, parathyroid, ovary
or testes)
• individuals with rheumatoid arthritis
• individuals who have had a low-impact fracture at age
40 or above
• individuals who have lost more than
1.5 inches of height
• long-term smokers or alcoholics
• individuals with a family history of
fractures related to osteoporosis
• individuals who have had a lifetime low calcium intake
and sedentary
lifestyle.
• individuals with medical conditions causing immobility
for six months or more
• individuals taking medications that cause bone loss
(high dose acid blocking medications, aromatase inhibitors
and certain diabetes and anti-seizure medications)
In addition to osteoporosis, the Center can
help individuals with other metabolic bone diseases, such
as Paget's disease, renal bone disease, osteomalacia (rickets),
parathyroid disorders or osteogenesis imperfecta. |
