vy NEWS photo Paul KcGrath Age.......20 Likes.......sushi, dirt bikes, romance, R&B music Distikes.......egotistical men Future plans.......to be risk Eta seta PROMS ETI misundersto Aging population By Layne Christensen Community Reporter ONE in four women over the age of 50 will Suffer the debilitating effects of osteoporosis in her lifetime. For men, that figure is reduced to one in 10. Osteoporosis in simple terms is) “thin, breakable bones,” says Dre. Suzanne Montemuro, medical director of the Menopause Information Centre in North Vancouver. Ir is a growing concern because of the aging popula- tion, according to Montemuro, who says by the year 2010 half the population in Canada will be over the age of 45, Many women start losing bone density when they enter menopause due to lower estro- gen levels, Estrogen enables bones 10 utilize caleium: and vitamin D. Viramin D is need- 2d to help the body absorb cal- cium, which makes bones stronger. “When women go through menopause they are not really interested in thinning bones,” she says of the public's lack of knowledge of the disease. Most sufferers don’t know they have it until they fall down and break their bones. “Thats a Tittle late,” says Montemuro, who thinks edu- cating the public is che answer, That education extends to teenage gids who don’t drink cause for concern milk because they think ir’s far- tening. The solution may be as simple as popping a couple of vitamin pills, adding skim milk to our coffee and reducing the amount of meat we eat. “Black coffee causes your calcium to go night out in your urine,” she explains. So does a high protein diet. Smoking, too, is bad because it causes an earlier onset of menopause. The pub- Ke needs to be educated, she says. That’s why Montemuro is hosting a bene health forum Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Centennial Theatre, sponsored by OSTOP, the Osteoporosis Society of B.C. ‘The event is free and takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. A panel of experts will include Dr. John Wade, a rheumatologist and author of The Osteuporasis Book. Audience members can learn about the current treat- ments, whether they are at risk, and whether the disease can be prevented. Montemuro is hoping for a strong turnout, especially from women aged 45 to 50. These women, many of whom are menopausal and are at risk themselves, are “sand- wiched between their (teenage) kids and their aging parents.” Phis puts them in the posidoen to: share information with both groups, which is important — heeause, as Montemuro says, “people are net titerested in osteoporosis und they break something.” VOLUNTEER OPTIONS THE following is a selection of volunteer opportunities available through | North Shore Community Services (NSCS. ). An office clerk is needed to type, tile and do miailour preparation. Other duties mehude Workin Of an tddress fit of members, bia, gitar ution to the media and updating eviabitien acted les. Tramiig as provided A male companion/role tmodel volunteer i needed to spend time with an eight year odd boy with a nicnidial disabel ity. The child is outgoing, fun loving and Hikes snerts. The volunteer will spend three hours a week taking the child to recreation centres or cub SCOUTS. A treasurer is needed for a North Shore society to deal with all financial records, membership. tees, donations account ledgers, Knowledge of accounting or bookkeeping is an asset. Hosts/hostesses are needed to be a fiaison ina prog cot reuttbar physical aeteaty to help wath promo Hon, repistranian, Welvomung, walkers Per te net TA CHIDUES Outreach velunteers are ueeded bw a Vancouver based ernivation that promotes and ALDS prevention to the Asian community, Valunteers speak ivschools and community ventres in Faglish but Asi: Languages are an Hraining is provided. Ifyou are interested in vol- untecring, call 98 04 © a eth ensmnarsey Soendaaie renee er JAMES POYNER Lawyer MAJOR PERSONAL INJURY Free initial Consultation 988-6321 408-145 Chadwick Court N. Van. 8 FILTER | CHANGE |AN WILSON 984-9194 I - FULLERTON ESSO 1801 CAPILANO ROAD NORTH VANCOUVER Includes: Labour 10 install new spark plugs; Perform cylinder balance test; Check ard adjust liming; Check and test H.T. ; wittng, distnbutor cap. rotor; Check P.C.V. valve; Check and adjust idle speeds (rpm's); Final ignition system analysis; Road test. Most cars & light pick- ups. Yans and mini-vans extra. Ask tor details, Labour only- paris extra MILO VANAELST AMBLESIDE ESSO 1392 MARINE DRIVE WEST VANCOUVER 922-3925/922-0138 please phone for an appointment. Offer expires Nov. 16, ‘96 a Se Zin elas