Mid Rivers Newsmagazine 7-5-17

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methylene blue added. Their results suggest
that methylene blue causes little to
no irritation, even at high concentrations.
The study was published online in the journal
Scientific Reports.
Call for action on osteoporosis
Approximately 1.5 million Americans
suffer bone fractures related to osteoporosis
each year, according to the National
Center for Biotechnology Information.
Early diagnosis of the bone-thinning condition,
along with preventive care to head
off the fractures it causes, are widely available
to patients. However, too few patients
actually get bone density testing to screen
for the disease, nor do they understand
its risk factors or fully comply with treatment
plans – facts that researchers at the
University of Missouri School of Medicine
pointed out following a recent review
of options for osteoporosis treatment and
management.
“A fracture is the only true symptom
of osteoporosis, and typically, that’s how
the disease is diagnosed,” said Brett Crist,
M.D., associate professor of orthopedic
surgery and the review’s senior author.
“Knowing risk factors – age, gender and
family history – allows us to screen for
osteoporosis and prevent complications.
However, in our review, we found that preventable
complications, such as secondary
fractures, are more common than they
should be. The reality is that death and disability
associated with osteoporosis affect
more people than most cancers.”
Crist pointed out that, although the risk
of decreased bone density leading to osteoporosis
starts at age 50, less than 27 percent
of patients ages 65 to 79 are screened
for the disease, with even lower screening
rates for people above and below that age
range. Once it is diagnosed, the high cost of
newer, more desirable medications to treat
osteoporosis prevents people from using
them, while older, less costly medications
have more side effects and are more difficult
to take – so patients don’t take them
properly, he added. And the effectiveness
of calcium and vitamin D, which have long
been commonly prescribed by doctors to
manage osteoporosis, is now being called
into question.
The university’s review shows that
physicians need to have conversations
with every patient over 50 about recent
advances in osteoporosis treatment and
management, Crist said.
“Patients sometimes view osteoporosis
as part of the normal aging process. However,
they take a significant risk if they
don’t fully understand the consequences
of their diagnosis. The development of an
interdisciplinary care plan that meets the
expectations and needs of the patient is the
goal.”
On the calendar
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic
Conditions, a program presented by
OASIS, begins on Tuesday, July 11 and
continues each subsequent Tuesday
through Aug. 22 from 1:30-4 p.m. at the
McClay Branch Library, 2760 McClay
Road in St. Charles. Developed by
Stanford University’s Patient Education
Research Center, this self-management
course is for those with chronic conditions
such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes,
asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or
others. The program is free, but registration
is required. To register, visit www.
bjcstcharlescounty.org or call (636) 928-
9355.
• • •
Free osteoporosis screenings are
offered from 10 a.m.-noon on Friday,
July 14 at the Corporate Parkway Branch
Library, 1200 Corporate Parkway in
Wentzville. Take part in this bone density
screening for women to determine your
personal risk and find out how to decrease
the risk of developing osteoporosis. Preregistration
is required. Register online at
www.bjcstcharlescounty.org or by calling
(636) 928-9355.
• • •
Fit for Function, a course for seniors
presented by OASIS, is offered from
1:30-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18 at
Progress West Hospital, 2 Progress Point
Parkway in O’Fallon, in Conference
Room B. Learn about the new research
proving how basic strength training can
reverse muscle loss, and receive a functional
fitness screening to find out whether
you pass the test based on national norms.
Arrive 30 minutes early if you would like
to participate in the screening. There is no
cost to attend. Registration is required by
visiting www.bjcstcharlescounty.org or by
calling (636) 928-9355.
• • •
Welcome to Medicare, an informational
session focused on topics important
to people who will soon be eligible
to enroll in Medicare for the first time,
is offered from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday,
July 19 at Progress West Hospital, 2
Progress Point Parkway in O’Fallon, in
Conference Room B. Participants will
receive an overview of Medicare Parts
A & B, the Prescription Drug Plan [part
D], Advantage Plans and Supplemental
Plans [Medigap]. Additional topics
to be discussed include free Medicare
Preventive and Wellness Services, along
with financial assistance programs such
as the Medicare Savings Program and
the Low Income Subsidy [Extra Help].
The course is presented by OASIS.
Attendance is free, but registration is
required and is available online at www.
bjcstcharlescounty.org or by calling
(636) 928-9355.
July 5, 2017
MID RIVERS NEWSMAGAZINE
The Gables of Cottleville is not long term care…
it’s life care.
I MATURE FOCUS I 23
It’s not a nursing home… it’s home.
We are a leader in a new era of care…
where living continues.
For more information contact Tim Effinger at 314-288-8691
118 Ohmes Rd. • Cottleville, MO • www.thegablesofcottleville.com
Preventing
Scams
Recommended to adults and senior citizens.
Especially important for caretakers/family or seniors.
Hosted by The Villages of St. Peters
5400 Executive Centre Parkway
St. Peters, MO 63376
Date: 7/12/17 at 10a.m.
Speaker: Melissa Daus
from the St. Peters Police Department
RSVP to:
Lori Guilliams 314-471-3757
Space is limited
www.vofsp.com