Osteoporosis Clinic Ireland has been developed to assist people with or predisposed to bone health issues.
Susan Boland, nutritional therapist, and Karen Byrne, registered general nurse, are bringing the clinic around the country to facilitate clients. They work with a local physiotherapist in each area and, where possible, all follow up consultations will be with the same physiotherapist.
A programme of recommended visits includes and initial consultation with follow ups at three months, six months, 12 months, and 18 months, followed by a two yearly DXA scan.
Telephone consultations are available to review and update your nutritional status.
At your first appointment, which lasts approximately an hour and a half, you will see Susan Boland, nutritional therapist, who will tailor a nutritional protocol to your specific needs for your bone health, general health, and gut health, and recommend any supplements you may require. A copy of your nutritional protocol will be given to you on the day.
Nurse Karen Byrne will do an ultrasound bone density scan, which is carried out on the wrist and shin and gives an osteoporosis risk index. The result is available immediately and a copy is given to you. This scan is carried out six monthly to monitor your progress with the programme between your two yearly DXA scans. She will also review your previous DXA scan and explain the results to you, if you have had one.
You will also see the physiotherapist who will give you exercises to help improve your bone density, balance, and posture. This is also done on a one to one basis according to your lifestyle and level of activity.
You will be given a copy of these exercises.
Follow up consultations are available to you at three to six monthly intervals as explained above, in each location countrywide. Duration is approximately one hour.
The next clinics take place in Portlaoise on September 12; Dublin South on September 14; Waterford on September 19; Kildare on September 21; Galway on September 26; Meath on September 28; and Athlone on October 5.
For more information contact Susan Boland at 086 8580500, Karen Byrne at 087 2360877, email [email protected], or see www.osteoporosisclinicireland.com
