Osteoporosis program

We will help you:

• better understand osteoporosis
• prevent falls
• improve your posture and strength
• lessen your risk of fracture

You will get advice about exercise and tips on how to perform activities safely.

You do not need a doctor’s referral to take part in one of our programs. You do need a medical diagnosis of osteoporosis. It is also helpful if you have had a recent bone mineral density scan.

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Contact us at 780.735.7161 and request an osteoporosis assessment.

Our program includes in-person and virtual services.

In-person services

After you register, we will schedule you for an assessment and two follow-up visits with a physical therapist.

During these visits, we will talk with you about:

• your posture and exercises for correcting it
• upper and lower body strengthening
• core strengthening
• balance training and how to prevent falls
• how to take care of your back during everyday tasks
• safe activities and movements to avoid

Virtual services

After your in-person sessions, you can choose to be part of a weekly virtual exercise class. The classes run for eight weeks. They are led by a therapy assistant. You will learn posture, strengthening and balance exercises suited to people with osteoporosis.

To attend, you must:

• have access to technology that supports the Zoom platform (audio and video)
• have an email account
• review Zoom Support if needed
• have attended your in-person sessions (unless you have already attended the Misericordia’s virtual program)

Our virtual classes are offered through Zoom.

Resources

• How to get the most out of virtual healthcare
• Zoom support for patients

Before your virtual session

• You must have two methods of identification ready at the beginning of the first session. This may be as simple as spelling your name, providing your date of birth, or showing your AHS card. We require patient verification of ID prior to beginning the session.
• Check in 15 minutes before your class. If you have any problems logging into class, contact the department at 780.735.7161.
• If possible, use a portable device for your class. This way you can place your device so the instructor can see you while doing floor exercises.
• Have your exercise space and equipment ready when starting the session.
• Find a quiet, private space without interruptions or background noise.
• Have a plain background, and avoid backlight from bright windows and have good lighting. Please do not turn on a virtual background.

What to expect

• When you sign in, you will be admitted to a waiting room. The instructor/host will admit you to the session.
• You will be in a group with other participants. We ask that you enable the share video feature so we can see you during the session.This allows us to watch you do exercises and provide feedback.
• You may be muted at the beginning of the session. Your instructor will review the meeting controls with you, and show you the raise hand and chat This information is also on your Zoom patient support sheet.
• During the session you will be unmuted for questions, or you can use the chat function. Stay on mute if you are not talking.
• Your comments and chats will be visible to other class members. Please maintain privacy and confidentiality of the group members.
• No audio or video recording of the sessions is permitted.