MORTON GROVE, Ill. — The Foundation for Education and Musculoskeletal Research (FEMR) has partnered with Costco Pharmacy to host a free osteoporosis clinic at one of the warehouse club retailer’s Chicago-area stores.
FEMR said the Costco pharmacy in Niles, Ill., plans to offer free bone density screenings either by appointment or on a walk-in basis on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The clinic is intended to promote early detection of osteoporosis in order to avoid fatal falls and costly fractures.
The event is part of a larger effort in Illinois by FEMR to raise awareness for fall prevention and the need for osteoporosis screening and treatment to reduce the incidence of fragility bone fractures among older people. FEMR and the state have officially proclaimed the first day of autumn, Sept. 22, as Fall Prevention Awareness Day.
FEMR noted that the epidemic of fragility fractures among aging baby boomers is preventable through proper diagnosis, treatment and education. The foundation reported that the age 65 and older population in Illinois now totals about 1.5 million — a figure projected to surpass 2 million by 2025 — and that one out of every three senior citizens fall each year, resulting in over 600,000 deaths per year in the state.
FEMR added that it’s working with The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) to educate the public on fall prevention awareness and bone health, including providing some simple tips to help seniors "fall proof" their homes.
In addition, the foundation is launching a new national web site (www.boneknowledge.org) that aims to provide a range of information about bone health and knowledge.
