Invitation to attend a free health seminar on Osteoporosis at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals

From left: Janice Booth (Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner), Dr Chandini Rao and Helen Veevers (Osteoporosis Nurse Specialist) at a recent health awareness event

From left: Janice Booth (Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner), Dr Chandini Rao and Helen Veevers (Osteoporosis Nurse Specialist) at a recent health awareness event

MEMBERS of the public are invited to attend a free presentation on Osteoporosis, the latest health seminar for members of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Chandini Rao, Consultant Rheumatologist and Head of Department, and Helen Veevers, Osteoporosis Specialist Nurse, will host a seminar entitled ‘Osteoporosis – who is at risk and current treatment strategies’ on Thursday, June 2nd 2016, at 10:30am – 12 pm in the Cardiac Lecture Theatre, Cardiac Education Centre, Cardiac Unit, Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

To tie in with National Osteoporosis Month running in June 2016, the pair will be explaining what osteoporosis is, why it is important to identify those at risk of the condition and what treatments are available.

Osteoporosis is a condition which weakens bone structure, making it more fragile and susceptible to break with just a minor bump or fall. One in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will experience a “fragility” fracture – a broken bone following minimal trauma.

More than 300,000 patients a year in the UK are treated for broken bones that result from osteoporotic damage.

People with osteoporosis often don’t know they have it until they are diagnosed after a fracture. A DEXA scan is used to look at how fragile the bone has become for a diagnosis of osteoporosis to be made.

After the age of 35 we all start to gradually lose bone as a normal part of the ageing process. Women are more at risk as they tend to lose bone more rapidly following the menopause. For some people this leaves fragile bones which are more likely to break from even minor accidents.

Any bone can be affected; however the most common breaks are wrist, spine, upper arm and hip fractures. In older people, this can be serious and result in long-term disability.

Many other factors can add to the risk of developing osteoporosis, such as certain types of long term medication, other health conditions and lifestyle factors such as heavy drinking and smoking.

Education is key to preventing osteoporosis as there are many simple lifestyle changes which can reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Dr Rao said: “Osteoporosis is a silent disease, which is often only diagnosed after someone has sustained a fracture.

“Unfortunately, certain fractures such as those affecting the hip or the spine can be permanently debilitating and may affect a person’s ability to live independently or care for themselves.

“The estimated cost of osteoporotic fractures in the UK is over £3 billion per year and worldwide, one fracture occurs every three seconds.’’

She added: “By assessing an individual’s risk factors, we can identify those at greatest risk and offer treatment which can significantly reduce the chances of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture.

“In this seminar, Helen and I will discuss strategies to identify those at the highest risk, as well as current treatments available to reduce future fractures.”

To book a place on the seminar please contact Jacinta Gaynor, Membership and Governors Officer, on 01253 956673.  We ask that you sign up to become member of the Trust to attend.  Membership can be arranged over the phone.

Membership doesn’t cost anything, and there are numerous benefits for the Trust and the local community alike, which can be seen on the Trust’s website: www.bfwh.nhs.uk. Your application can be received via the website, by post or by telephone.

For further information about this Press Release, please call Jacinta Gaynor, Membership & Governors Officer, on 01253 956673 or email jacinta.gaynor@bfwhospitals.nhs.uk

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