Osteoporosis Center of Excellence

Our providers are leading experts in their field and serve on the faculty of Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine, where they’re involved in cutting-edge research and keep current with the latest developments in rheumatology.

Osteoporosis is a silent disease. Many people don’t know they have it until they experience a bone fracture. Prevention, screening, and treatment can help.

Risk Factors

Age
Small frame and low weight
Certain ethnicities
Smoking
Excess alcohol or caffeine use
Certain medications
Menopause and the years following

Prevention

Lifestyle and diet can greatly affect bone heath. Weight bearing exercise helps build bone strength and prevent falls (lifting dumbbells, walking on an incline, hiking or jumping rope).

Make healthy choices:

Stop smoking
Limit alcohol use
Drink tea instead of coffee
Avoid sodas
Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D

Screening

Bone density tests (DEXA scans) consist of a special X-ray that measures bone density and bone loss and is recommended for women aged 65 or older. Screening in men is considered on a case-by-case basis. Talk to your primary care doctor to see if a DEXA scan is right for you.

Treatment

Healthy diet
Exercise Plan
Medication
Education

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 216-778-2323.

Coordination of Care

Dedicated Clinical Coordinator
Fracture Liaison Service
Shared Medical Appointments
Medication Monitoring

Shared Medical Appointments

We offer “shared medical appointments” focusing on osteoporosis education at the Brecksville Health and Surgery Center.

A shared medical appointment is done in the presence of 4-6 patients who may have a similar condition or symptoms such as you do. Dr. Antonelli sees each patient individually and within the group and presents an educational topic for the group. Examples of education topics include medication, management, exercise, and best nutritional choices.

The shared medical appointment lasts about an hour to an hour and a half, and the provider is with you the entire time.

View available dates.

To schedule, please call our Rheumatology Coordinator, Laurel Stevens RN at 216-778-0658.