The Spokane Osteoporosis Center specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, helping to promote strong bones and reduce the risk of fracture.
Dr Kohlmeier Discusses Osteoporosis with Sally Field
Dr Kohlmeier had the opportunity to speak with Sally Field in Seattle at the
Flower and Garden Show Feb 23rd. With the support of Roche and GSK
Pharmaceuticals, the two-time Academy Award and three-time Emmy Award winning actress is promoting osteoporosis awareness around the country. |  Sally Field, Lynn Kohlmeier, MD, Renee Hasler |
Sally Field and Dr. Kohlmeier discussing osteoporosis
|
Triathlon for Osteoporosis: First of It's Kind in the Country!
The THIRD annual Sprint Triathlon for Osteoporosis Awareness, the Westplains Wunderwoman Triathlon, in North Eastern Washington near Spokane, took place August 16th, 2009. 700 women, some in teams, swam 1\4 mile in Medical Lake, bicycled 10 miles, walked or ran 3 miles around the lake. Many of the women have osteoporosis or low bone density themselves, this year in fact over 20 Osteoporosis Teams registered with names like the 'Vitamin D Vikings', 'Forteo Falcons', 'Bone Beauties', 'Fosamax Foxes', and 'Osteo-Blasters'!
Hundreds of free heel bone density screening tests were done using 5 ultrasound scanners, and of the almost 4000 spectators many learned their own risk, or lack of, for osteoporosis and fracture! How much calcium, vitamin D and exercise is recommended to make and keep strong bones was discussed with all those interested. (The heel test is for anyone over 30 years old, who had never had a test before! It is also offered in the community at the Osteoporosis Resource & Screening Centers at Deaconess and Valley Hospitals, for more information call 509-473-2194 for the Deaconess, and 509-473-5415 for the Valley) Click to see Photos from 2008 and 2009 WWW Triathlons
A panel of women most with osteoporosis or fractures answered one-on-one questions about their own diagnosis and treatment, such as how celiac disease can decrease calcium absorption, why many years of Depo-provera or anti-seizure medication can cause low bone mass, how severe vitamin D deficient due to past gastric bypass surgery causes aching and muscle weakness not just bone loss, and why men with past prostate cancer treatment or women taking aromatase inhibitors for past breast cancer are at high risk for osteoporosis as well!
Dr Lynn Kohlmeier, director of the Spokane Osteoporosis Center and the WWW Triathlon Osteoporosis Education, gave a short question and answer session before the triathlon award ceremony. She talked about healthy lifestyle choices and medication options for fracture prevention as well as how exercise, specifically walking and running along with back extensor strengthening, helps build bones all through life.
Anyone interested in organizing a walk or triathlon for osteoporosis in their community, please contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation, and consider starting with the 'Steps for Your Bones' Program, currently on-line through the NOF. The NOF donated hundreds of brochures and information on osteoporosis, calcium and exercise for the triathlon participants. For more information, to www.NOF.org
URGENT ACTION NEEDED - Senator DXA Bill to be introduced and marks an important step in our battle to protect patient access to osteoporosis testing.This legislation will be the Senate companion to H.R. 4206, the "Medicare Fracture Prevention and Osteoporosis Testing Act of 2009."
Award-Winning Contribution
Dr. Kohlmeier volunteered as a consultant for the senior fitness television program, SIT AND BE FIT, helping to develop their Osteoporosis Workout II. The workout, has recently been awarded the 2006 National Health Information Merit Award. In the workout, Dr. Kohlmeier reviews the factors affecting bone health and the role exercise plays in reducing falls and preventing osteoporosis.
Know Your Bone Density and Your Percent Body Fat and Muscle!
Bone Density and Body Composition by DXA are available at our
Osteoporosis Center. For you or your medical provider to schedule a bone density test, please fill out the BMD Order Form or call our office to schedule one or both tests. What is Body Composition and Body Mass Index, and Why Is It Important?
Book your DXA appointment online today!
