MIDDLEBURY — REV Fitness for Women, a women’s-only fitness studio in Middlebury, has designated January as Osteoporosis Awareness Month.
Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” While visualizing a “porous bone” is frightening enough, the ramifications of osteoporosis can be serious and debilitating. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, about 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass. If you are aged 50 or older, here is a startling statistic: Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four men will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
Alarming statistics aside, what can be done about osteoporosis? Studies show that prevention is the key. Between the ages of 18 and 25 most of us achieve what is termed as peak bone mass. In other words, by our mid-20s, our bones are as dense as they will ever be. Proper nutrition including dark green leafy vegetables, and plenty of dairy, are important during early years for optimal bone formation to balance the propensity to lose bone mass later in life.
During midlife, both men and women begin to lose bone mass. For women, who generally have smaller frames and therefore less bone density to begin with, losing bone can increase precipitously as estrogen decreases with age. In fact, once estrogen wanes, within 5 to 7 years after menopause, women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density. 
The studio will offer two informational osteoporosis workshops during the month:
•  “Osteoporosis: Diet and Exercise Strategies” is on Monday, Jan. 11, at 6 p.m. Registered dietitian Amy Rice and certified personal trainer Michele Butler will team up to provide useful, science-based bone-building strategies for women.
•  “Stay on Your Feet: Ways to Improve Balance & Prevent Falling” is on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 6 p.m. Physical therapist Tracy Horne of Wells Physical Therapy will walk participants through exercises to increase balance and offer helpful advice on avoiding falls.
Both workshops will be held at REV Fitness, 175 Wilson Road, Middlebury. The workshops are designed to give specific information regarding osteoporosis and ideas that might help retain bone density. Everyone is invited to attend these workshops with preregistration by phoning Michele Butler at 989-0096 or emailing [email protected].  Registration is required due to limited seating.