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Free talk offers facts on osteoporosis

03 / 28 / 2007

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MENASHA, Wis. – There are many misperceptions about osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break.

The disease is a major health risk for an estimated 44 million Americans, or 55 percent of people age 50 and older. And while women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis.

Affinity Health System is offering a free seminar on the facts surrounding osteoporosis at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, in the lobby of the Midway Medical Office building, 1550 Midway Place, Menasha.

Dr. Ann Marie Gierl, an Affinity Medical Group physician who specializes in rheumatology, will discuss what osteoporosis is, who it affects and how it is diagnosed and treated. There will also be a DXA scan demonstration. DXA scans measure a person’s bone density.

To register for the free event contact Affinity NurseDirect at 800-362-9900.

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For the Editor:
Affinity Health System, a Catholic mission-oriented regional health care network, is a partnership of Ministry Health Care and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. Affinity Health System is the Fox Valley’s third largest employer, according to the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and is ranked 24 among the top 100 integrated health care networks nationwide (Verispan 2008). Both St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton and Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh rank among the top 1 percent among hospitals nationwide in terms of quality and efficiency, as determined by the 2007 Premier | CareScience Select practice National Quality Award. Network Health Plan has achieved Excellent accreditation status from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the highest possible level. It is ranked 37th among the 250 rated health plans in the nation in terms of customer satisfaction and clinical performance, according to the U.S. News and World Report/NCQA Best Health Plans in America listing. Members of Affinity include Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Health Foundation, Oshkosh; St. Elizabeth Hospital and the St. Elizabeth Hospital Community Foundation, Appleton; Affinity Medical Group, a regional network of 23 family practice and specialty clinics in 13 communities; Calumet Medical Center, Chilton; Network Health Plan, Menasha; and Affinity Occupational Health.