On Saturday, May 31, the Yale Bone Center will sponsor a free symposium on osteoporosis, a major public health problem due to fragile bones that leads to increased risk of fractures. An estimated 30 million Americans, primarily women and the elderly, develop this disease.
The symposium, which is open to the public, will be held 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Rm. 110 of the School of Medicine's Jane Ellen Hope Building, 315 Cedar St. Coffee and registration begin at 8:30 a.m. Free parking will be provided in Yale's secured lot nearby on Washington Avenue.
"Osteoporosis, a common medical condition, affects millions of women in this country, and many men as well," says Dr. Karl L. Insogna, director of the Yale Bone Center and associate professor of medicine at the School of Medicine. "It is best treated if detected early."
"In recent years, we have seen dramatic advances in physicians' abilities to diagnose, prevent and treat osteoporosis. People need to be aware of these developments and the options they provide for maintaining a healthy skeleton," he adds.
Dr. Insogna will present an overview of osteoporosis, addressing such current topics as new and different treatment methods for osteoporosis and the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy for older women. He will also present a lecture on alternatives to hormone replacement therapy for osteoporosis.
In addition, other Yale experts will discuss the roles of nutrition, exercise, fall prevention, and medical therapy in preventing and treating osteoporosis. These speakers and their topics are:
"Diagnosing Osteoporosis" -- Dr. John Wysolmerski, assistant professor of medicine.
"The Role of Exercise in Prevention and Treatment of Exercise" -- Tracey Hennen, physical therapist, Gaylord Rehabilitation Center.
"Protecting Your Hips by Preventing a Fall" -- Dorothy Baker, research scientist, The Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center at Yale.
"The Role of Diet in the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis" -- Linda Gay, registered dietician, Yale-New Haven Hospital.
"The Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy in the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis: Practical Considerations" -- Dr. Marybeth Gillette, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology.