Skeleton Crew learns about nutrition

Duke

By Beth Ranagan

DEXTER — The positive role of nutrition in bone growth and maintenance is widely known. Good nutrition, coupled with weight bearing exercise, is important in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Bone health requires so much more than taking daily calcium tablets. Many other nutrients work together with calcium in the body to help build strong bones. What these minerals and vitamins are, how much of each we need daily and how we are to get them into the body is what we need to know.

On Friday, Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. at the Abbott Memorial Library, the Skeleton Crew will hear a presentation by Elizabeth Duke, MSN, NP. Duke has a master of science in nursing from the University of Southern Maine. With a special interest in osteoporosis, she is certified by the International Society of Clinical Densitometrists and has presented to many organizations including the Maine Nurse Practitioner Association, the Maine Osteopathic Association, Husson College of Nursing and Pharmacy and Caring Connections. Duke was the recipient of the 2011 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners State Award for Excellence. She is currently employed by St. Joseph Healthcare in Bangor.

Duke reported recently, “Osteoporosis and low bone mass are a major public health threat.” She will discuss the role of calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, salt, phosphorus and vitamin A as they pertain to bone health and bone disease prevention throughout the lifespan. A review of the role of food versus supplements as sources of nutrients will be examined.

Bone healthy refreshments with be served. The public is invited. Please call Liz at the library, 924-7292.