Don't let osteoporosis slow you down.
Osteoporosis can be a debilitating condition that robs you of your independence. Find out where you stand – get a bone scan today.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is the thinning or weakening of your bones which begins in your mid- to late 30s and accelerates after menopause. Left unchecked, your bones become porous and fragile and are more likely to break or fracture. However, osteoporosis is not inevitable and is very preventable.
How to prevent osteoporosis
To be active and live independently into your 60s, 70s and beyond, you need to take action as early as possible. Here's how:
- Diet – take the daily requirement of calcium (1,000 -1,200 mg) and vitamin D (400 mg).
- Exercise – do weight-bearing exercises, which stimulate your bones (walking, dancing, stair climbing).
- Lifestyle – don't smoke; keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.
- Testing – find out where you stand with a bone density scan and monitor your bones regularly.
Who is at risk?
Women are at higher risk than men. Caucasians and Asians and small, thin women are at greatest risk. Other risk factors include:
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Early or surgically induced (both ovaries removed) menopause before the age of 45
- Post menopause
- Smoking or drinking an excessive amount of alcohol
Kapi'olani's Bone Health Program
The Kapi'olani Women's Center offers a comprehensive program to help detect, prevent and manage osteoporosis.
Bone Density Scan
The DXA scan is a quick and painless procedure. You simply lie still while the scanner passes over your body. In minutes, you'll know where you stand. Offered in Honolulu and Aiea. Click here to request an appointment online.
Preventive Treatment Plan
Osteoporosis specialist Frank Singer, M.D., leads the Bone Health Program. Once a bone scan is done, he can meet with women diagnosed or at risk for osteoporosis to develop a personalized treatment plan in coordination with their doctor.
Osteo-cise Classes
Exercise physiologist Marcie Nowack helps women diagnosed or at risk for osteoporosis to safely build muscle strength and flexibility. Work to improve your posture, gait, balance, core strength, muscle and bone health, and reduce back pain. Six-week series. Offered in Honolulu and Aiea. Sign up online.
FREE Osteoporosis Information Sessions
Osteoporosis and You, Q&A Session
Marcie Nowack, exercise physiologist
Bring your questions about your own bone health
Sign up online.
Kapi'olani Bone Health Team
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Frank Singer, M.D. specializes in the treatment of osteoporosis and leads Kapi'olani's Bone Health Program. He received his medical degree from the University of the East Medical School. He completed his residency at Trenton Affiliated Hospitals and his fellowship at Beth Israel Medical Center. Dr. Singer helps women diagnosed or at risk for osteoporosis to develop a preventive treatment plan in coordination with their doctor. |
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Marcie Nowack is an exercise physiologist and helps women adopt a safe and effective fitness regimen to build strength and flexibility to reduce the risk of falls and to minimize the effects of osteoporosis. |
For more information or to register by phone, call 535-7000.
Kapi'olani Women's Center – Honolulu
1907 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
Appointments: (808) 535-7000
Kapi'olani Women's Center – Aiea
Kapi'olani Medical Center at Pali Momi
98-1079 Moanalua Road
Honolulu, HI 96701
Appointments: (808) 535-7000