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Toms River, N.J., May 11, 2009 - According to the
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, nearly 375,000
New Jersey women over age 50 are at risk for osteoporosis and broken
bones, according to a recent report, Preventing Injury in New Jersey:
Priorities for Action. The report shows that women are 67% more
likely to have a fall injury than men.
Known as the “silent disease,” osteoporosis is a serious
condition in which bones become thin, brittle and easily broken.
Osteoporosis is largely preventable for most people through healthy
behaviors, including a balanced diet rich in calcium and Vitamin
D, weight bearing exercise, a healthy lifestyle without smoking
or excessive alcohol, and bone density testing and medications
when appropriate.
Children with older adults can help parents by ensuring their
homes are free of clutter and other tripping hazards, and that
parents, especially mom, are taking all the right steps to maintain
strong bones. Vision should also be checked regularly, because
impaired vision can contribute to falling. One important step is
to join a Project Healthy Bones class.
Project Healthy Bones is a 24-week, peer-led low impact exercise
and education program that helps participants decrease bone loss,
increase bone density and improve strength, balance and flexibility – all
important in preventing falls. More than 3,000 older adults have
participated in Project Healthy Bones annually since its inception
in 1997.
Community Medical Center’s Lighthouse offers the Project
Healthy Bones program at the Lighthouse, located at 591 Lakehurst
Road in Toms River every Friday from 8 – 9:30 a.m. or 1 – 2:30
p.m. It is also offered on Wednesdays from 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Classes are $10 each, and class size is limited. A physician’s
medical clearance is required prior to beginning the program.
For more information or to register for Project Healthy Bones,
call Community Medical Center’s Lighthouse at 1-800-621-0096.
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