PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital is pleased to announce the return of its Bone Health Program under the new leadership of David Gast, MD, a physiatrist who provides care in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
“A bone health program helps prevent and treat bone loss, primarily osteoporosis, by reviewing calcium/vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercise, lifestyle, and medications,” Dr. Gast said. “The goal is to prevent fractures, strengthen bones, improve posture and increase balance to avoid falls.”
Dr. Gast will work with both the patient and their primary care provider to provide detailed consultations and long-term management of complex metabolic bone conditions. He will review the patient’s risk factors, provide lab and bone density tests and develop personalized treatment plans, including medication and lifestyle management.
“We know a lot about bones, including the way they work, grow, rebuild, weaken, and break. Bone can either get stronger or weaker over time depending on how we take care of it,” Dr. Gast said.
According to the National Institutes of Health, half of all Americans over age 50 have weak bones. Each year, approximately 2 million older Americans sustain fractures because of weak bones.
“The good news is, no matter how old we are, there are things we can do to prevent bone loss and even build new bone,” Dr. Gast said. “For example, you should limit alcohol and smoking, as they can both accelerate bone loss.”
Things that can impact your risk include age and gender, family history, body type, race/ethnicity, hormones, lifestyle habits, nutrition, medications and medical conditions. Those at higher risk for osteoporosis should talk to their primary care provider to see if this Bone Health Program would be beneficial for them.
Patients are now being accepted into this program. To learn more, you can reach out to the hospital’s Multi-Specialty Clinic at 207-768-4457.
