November 1st, 2002

Contact:      Jennifer Kurczek
      Community Relations Director

      (920)361-5481 or jkurczek@partnershealth.org

Family Healthcare in Ripon to offer free Bone Density Screening

Studies have shown that one out of every two women past menopause will be at risk for osteoporosis.

Are you at risk? Not sure?

You’ll have the opportunity to find out for free at Family Healthcare in Ripon during an upcoming health event at the clinic.

Teaming with Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Family Healthcare will offer its female patients over the age of 55 complimentary Bone Density Screenings by appointment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19^th at Family Healthcare, located at 1080 W. Fond du Lac Street.

Appointments for the Bone Density Screenings are required by calling Family Healthcare at (920)748-7000.

According to Novartis, there are currently more than 28 million Americans – 80% women – who are at risk for developing the brittle bone disease. Osteoporosis, which is associated with the gradual thinning and weakening of the bones, presents very few symptoms – making it difficult for its victims to recognize they have the disease until they suffer a bone fracture.

Due to the lack of natural estrogen in the body, menopause is one risk factor of the disease. Other women at high risk include those who: have never taken estrogen; are of small, thin body frame; are Caucasian or Asian; have a family history; use thyroid medications; smoke cigarettes; frequently drink beverages; are sedentary; do not get adequate calcium in the diet.

Family Health Care provides care for the entire family – from obstetrics to children’s care to adult and senior care. The clinic's providers, Dr. Paul Nelsen, Dr. James Wililams and nurse practitioner Linda AhrensJames are approved with many managed care organizations, including Touchpoint, Network Health, Unity, Dean Care, Humana, AHC, and HCN.

Family Healthcare is a member of Community Health Network, which includes Berlin Memorial Hospital, CHN Home Care, Juliette Manor, Partners Family Pharmacy, Proformance Fitness & Rehabilitation, Proformance Workplace Services, Senior Care, and the CHN Medical group, consisting of more than 110 primary and specialty care providers serving nearly 20 community clinics. More information on physician services is available on-line at www.communityhealthnetwork.org or by calling the CHN Physician Finder at (920)361-5480