| 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.
Bone Density Testing:
State-of-the-art bone densitometers
evaluate a person's risk for osteoporosis and measure current
bone mass. Bone density testing is the easiest method
to diagnose for osteoporosis. At menopause, all women are
urged to discuss the need for a bone density test with their
doctor.
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, balance and
flexibility.
Support Groups:
Speakers present information on the latest
medications, nutritional guidelines, and other topics at groups
which meet at the hospital, and at off-site centers.
Research Opportunities:
Individuals who qualify are welcome
and encouraged to participate in any number of ongoing research
studies, which examine new medications and prevention techniques.
New York State Osteoporosis
Prevention and Education Program (NYSOPEP):
As the state's
coordinating center for this program, the team at Helen Hayes
Hospital is a leader in educating healthcare professionals
and the public about osteoporosis prevention, early diagnosis
and treatment. NYSOPEP professionals are responsible for developing
and disseminating current and accurate information about osteoporosis,
as well as establishing and providing training and education
programs. (For more information, visit www.nysopep.org) Click here for a listing of upcoming Bone Health Seminars held at Helen Hayes Hospital.
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:
• women after menopause or those who have had
their ovaries
surgically removed
• individuals who are underweight for height
• individuals taking steroids (prednisone,
cortisone, etc.)
or anti-seizure medications
(dilantin, etc.) for more than
six months
• individuals with chronic kidney, liver, bowel
or lung disease
• individuals with a history of glandular disorders
(thyroid,
pituitary, adrenal, parathyroid, ovary
or testes)
• individuals with rheumatoid arthritis
• individuals who have had a fracture at age
50 or above
• individuals who have lost more than
1.5 inches of height
• long-term smokers or alcoholics
• individuals with a family history of
osteoporotic fracture
• Individuals who have had a lifetime low calcium intake
and sedentary
lifestyle.
• all women older than 65 and all men oder than 70
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.
For information
on the Osteoporosis Center, call 845-786-4318 OR 1-888-70-REHAB,
ext 4318
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