WICHITA FALLS–Osteoporosis, a crippling and incurable bone disease which develops so slowly it goes unnoticed until it’s too late to prevent, afflicts some 24 million Americans.
To help victims and families afflicted by the disease and health care professionals who deal with it, the Texas Agricultural Extension Service will conduct a one-day seminar April 1 at the Multipurpose Exhibit Center here.
Participants will learn about the onset and progression of this so-called “silent disease,” said Barbara Fangman, Wichita County extension agent for family and consumer sciences.
Dietary calcium sources and nutrition recommendations will be explained and participants will learn about risks and ways to reduce the risks of the disease.
After registration at 9 a.m., Dr. Bill Griffin, with Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates, Corpus Christi, will discuss the onset and advancement of the disease. He is an internationally certified consultant on densiometry.
Representatives of the North Texas Rehabilitation Center will present ways to “bone up” for fitness. After lunch, Norma Reed, registered dietitian at the Clinics of North Texas, will discuss diet planning. During the afternoon participants will have an opportunity for free bone density scans.
Educational exhibits featuring the latest equipment, materials and resources to treat osteoporosis will be on display. Additional information about the disease is available from county offices of the Extension Service.
The seminar registration fee is $20 and includes lunch. Health care professionals who are required to earn continuing education units (CEUs) will receive three hours of credit from Vernon Regional Junior College. There is an additional charge of $5 for those receiving CEUs. Checks should be made payable to the District 3 4-H Fund and mailed to Barbara Fangman, Wichita CEA-FCS, 1002 Fifth St., Wichita Falls 76309.
The seminar has been planned by Extension Service family and consumer science agents in the Rolling Plains District, working with Dr. Mary Bielamowicz, extension nutrition specialist at College Station, and Mary A. McCuistion, director of community services at Vernon Regional Junior College.
County extension agents on the planning committee are Fangman; Katheryn Carnes, Archer County; Pamela Foster, Childress; Doris Payne, Clay; Debra Price, Hardeman, Barbara Holeman, Montague; and District Extension Director Elaine Houston, Vernon.
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CFAM HEAL