BCHS physician to speak on topic of Osteoporosis
 Osteoporosis is a silent disease of the bones that makes them weaken and prone to fracture. Travis Terrell, M.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist in practice at Battle Creek Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates will speak on the topic 'Understanding Osteoporosis' on Wednesday, December 12, noon at Burnham Brook Senior Center. Senior Health Partners presents the program as part of its 'Aging Well' series, which is free to the public.
A light luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Terrell's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling Senior Health Partners at (269) 441-0948.
Bone is living tissue that is in a constant state of regeneration, as old bone is removed (bone resorption) and replaced by new bone (bone formation). By their mid-30s, most people begin to gradually lose bone strength as the balance between bone resorption and bone formation shifts, so that more bone is lost than can be replaced. As a result, bones become thinner and structurally weaker leading to the development of osteoporosis.
"Osteoporosis is a disease reaching epidemic proportions in the elderly population and it
takes an enormous medical and economic toll, especially among postmenopausal women "says Dr. Terrell. "Women of all ethnic and racial origins are affected, as are men and younger women." Like some other common chronic illnesses, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, osteoporosis can be defined by an intermediate outcome - in this case, low bone mineral density (BMD). Osteoporosis is a risk factor for fracture just as hypertension is for stroke.
Based on the 2006 Report of the Surgeon General on Bone Health and Osteoporosis, one in two women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis in their remaining lifetime. Each year women break more bones due to osteoporosis than have a stroke, heart attack, or breast cancer combined. Osteoporosis is considered a serious health problem for women.
An estimated 1.24 million osteoporosis-related fractures occur in women in the U.S. each year. Many times these breaks happen to active women who feel strong on the outside, but may be vulnerable on the inside. The good news is that the first sign of osteoporosis doesn't have to be a broken bone. If you are at risk for fracture, a bone density scan can assist in providing guidance in the diagnosis.
During this program, Dr. Terrell will cover the various aspects of osteoporosis related to prevention, identification of risk factors, and diagnosis and will review the various treatment options when a person is presented with this condition.
Senior Health Partners, a collaboration of Battle Creek Health System, Burnham Brook Center, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties. For more information about senior programs, visit the Burnham Brook web site at http://burnhambrook.com, or call
(269) 441-0933.
About the Presenter
Travis Terrell, M.D. is a graduate of the University of Illinois School of Medicine and completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency at North Oakland Medical Centers affiliated with Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
He is board certified and a Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (F.A.C.O.G.), Diplomate--American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the National Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Terrell is in private practice with Battle OB/GYN. He has special interest in women's preventative health and surgical applications in laparoscopy procedures.
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