RTICLE About 50 community members filled the room for a recent Brunch, Buddies & Bingo event hosted by Cuero Regional Hospital, highlighting the importance of healthy aging and supporting the wellness of adults 55 and older, Friday, Sept. 12.
The Healthy Aging Month event welcomed participants to enjoy fellowship, food, and fun while also gaining valuable health information. Attendees had the opportunity to meet Dr. Angela Watts, the newest primary care provider at Cuero Medical Clinic, and learn about osteoporosis— what causes the disease, treatment options, and how to prevent falls as we age.
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, making them thin, fragile, and more likely to break. It happens when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because it develops without symptoms. Many people don’t know they have it until they suffer a fracture. Dr. Watts shared how osteoporosis can be diagnosed with a bone density test (DEXA scan), which measures bone strength. Once a diagnosis is made, there are several treatment options; medication, lifestyle changes, and regular bone density testing to track progress. Preventing this disease can be done by ensuring the proper Calcium and Vitamin D is consumed, proper- regular exercise which includes wightbearing and resistance training to strength bones, and practicing fall prevention by removing tripping hazards in the home and using supportive equipment and hand rails for navigating.
