How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy affect those with osteoarthritis?
Guest speaker Joe Borhinha will explain that at the next meeting of the Langley branch of Osteoporosis Canada. It will be on Monday, Nov. 19 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Langley Seniors Resource Centre, 20605 51B Ave.
Borhinha will also explain how hyperbaric oxygen therapy affects the health of those who do not have the disease.
His appearance in Langley is timely, as November is Osteoporosis month, giving the local branch the opportunity to provide education and public awareness for diagnosing and managing the disease.
Figures from the association indicate that one-third of women and a fifth of men are diagnosed with the disease each year.
The Langley branch holds holds informative monthly meetings at the Langley Seniors Centre at 1 p.m. on the second Monday of each month.
Topics covered include nutrition, exercise, safe movements and preventing falls. There is a guest speaker at every meeting.
“It’s all about education,” said Shirley Arnold, who chairs the Langley branch.
“All men and women are very welcome.”
The centre also holds a regular twice weekly Osteofit program with instructor Kathy Wainwright.
“It is a friendly, safe and easy way to boost your muscle strength and confidence, enabling you to live well with osteoporosis,” Arnold said.
Local Osteofit classes are also held at the Timms Centre on Douglas Crescent in Langley City.
Osteofit instructors receive specialized training at BC Women’s Hospital enabling them to meet the individual needs of people who have osteoporosis.
Arnold said that every year in Canada, about 30,000 hip fractures occur. Many people suffer osteoporotic fractures affecting the spine, wrist, shoulder and pelvis.
Eighty per cent of all fractures in people 50 and over are caused by osteoporosis.