Introducing: The Joint Effort for Bone and Joint Health

3 hours ago
3 min read

We talk about cancer prevention and treatment. We monitor heart health. We track blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar…but what about bone and joint health? Musculoskeletal conditions are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Osteoporosis often isn’t discovered until a fragility fracture occurs. Loss of strength and balance insidiously increases fall risk. The pain from arthritis is dismissed as “just aging” until mobility becomes limited.

Bone and joint health is a low-awareness, high-impact issue—but it’s also manageable and manytimes these health crises can be avoided when addressed early. That’s why the AMD3 Foundation in partnership with the UPMC Departments—the Magee Bone and Joint Center, the Innovation Center and the Wellness Center for Bone and Joint Health—are joining forces to provide our free 5-point Bone and Joint Health Screenings in communities across

Western PA and surrounding regions.

Our goal is simple: raise awareness, screen early and connect individuals to education andpreventive care before small problems become life-changing events.

One way to take control of your bone and joint health is by taking advantage of our 5-Point Bone and Joint Health Screenings. These screenings are a free, easy, and painless way to take steps towards preventing the devastating effects of bone and joint health conditions and risks like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and falls. In addition to the screenings, our team can provide free on-site care and lifestyle education to help you move forward and move better.

Ultrasound Bone Density

It is important to know your bone density and if you are at risk for osteoporosis. While the

DEXA is the gold standard in determining bone mineral density, an ultrasound test helps

determine if you may need a DEXA scan before the recommended age of 65 and is a great way to learn your bone density between DEXA scans. Done right in the community and as part of our“mobile unit,” you can arm yourself with the knowledge needed to take prevent fragility fractures, pain and immobility.

Grip Strength

Your grip strength is not only an excellent indicator of your overall strength but also a measure of your overall health and longevity. Grip strength is measured with a handheld device called a dynamometer. Your age and gender will affect your strength and how your measurement compares to others in your same sex and age groups. There is a natural progression of a loss of muscle strength as you age, so the goal is to slow that loss and if possible, improve it….and we can show you how!

X-rays for Your Painful Knees and Hips

There are many different reasons that your joints can hurt. The most common cause is

osteoarthritis (OA) or the “wear and tear” form of arthritis. Simple X-rays can determine how

much cartilage is left and the level of the degeneration in your joint. It is important to always

have early evaluations so that you can prevent further degeneration and manage your joint pain.

We will provide an individualized “report card” to help you understand and discuss personalized treatment options – from non-surgical strategies to surgical solutions if needed – so you can know where you stand and what you can do next!

Balance and Falls Prevention

Three million older adults are treated for fall-related injuries annually. Of those three million

falls, one in five results in a serious injury such as a broken bone or head injury. Many falls are

preventable. By knowing your risk and learning safe ways to enhance balance, you are able to make adaptations to your home, decrease your risk of falls, and stay independent and mobile longer.

Food is Medicine and Nutritional Assessment

Food is medicine, and how you fuel your body effects how you feel and how well you build

strong bones and muscles. As examples, calcium and vitamin D focused and anti-inflammatory diets can help prevent osteoporosis and decrease joint pain. Through nutritional screening and education, we help you understand where you stand and provide practical guidance on simple dietary changes that can strengthen your bones, support your joints, and improve your long-term health.