Local broadcaster to host information day for Osteoporosis patients

An information day hosted by local broadcaster Helen McDermott is being held at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) next week for patients with Osteoporosis.

The event is being held on Saturday 19th October in the Benjamin Gooch Lecture Theatre and East Atrium from 9.15am until 1pm. The event which has been organised by the hospital’s Rheumatology department in conjunction with the National Osteoporosis Society is being hosted by Helen McDermott, radio and TV broadcaster.

There will be a range of information stands available from the National Osteoporosis Society and talks held by NNUH Consultants and Occupational Therapists, and researchers from the University of East Anglia. Topics will include ‘Diet and Osteoporosis’, ‘Falls Prevention in Osteoporosis’ and ‘Pain Management’. Speakers from the National Osteoporosis Society will also talk about how the charity can support patients and relatives or carers.

Dr Karl Gaffney, Clinical Director of Rheumatology at NNUH said: “I would encourage anyone with Osteoporosis to come along. The day promises to be jam-packed full of really useful information for patients with the disease and a chance to find out about some exciting research projects which the hospital and UEA are working on together. It’s also a great chance for patients to speak to us if they have any questions about their condition or treatment.”

Helen McDermott said: “I’m really pleased to be taking part in this information day. Osteoporosis is constantly referred to as the silent killer. This was brought home to me when I heard that a friend from my schooldays had contracted it at an early age. Like me, she knew next to nothing about the disease until she was diagnosed, and was appalled to learn that people at any age can suffer from this condition.”