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Staff from the OneCare Kansas (OCK) Network met in May for the OCK Community of Practice. During the session, the group discussed strategies for engaging members, provided advice on developing person-centered SMART goals, and shared ideas for health promotion activities this summer. The next Community of Practice session will be held on August 20 at 3 p.m. Invitations will be sent out in early August. The team hopes you will be able to join the session.
The OCK Final Friday Training Series continued in May with a session on Advancing Equity through Health Literacy Practices presented by Joanna Sabally from the Wichita State University (WSU) Center for Public Health Initiatives. Staff within OCK organizations still have time to sign up for the remaining sessions on Addressing Tobacco Use with OneCare Kansas Members on June 28 and Health Action Planning with a Trauma-Informed Lens on July 26. For registration information, please contact Vanessa Lohf.
The University of Kansas School of Medicine is offering a tobacco treatment specialist training program from Aug. 19 to Oct. 28. This course aims to equip health care providers with the necessary knowledge, skills and motivation to integrate tobacco treatment into their practices.
The course will be conducted online and require a time commitment of approximately 14 to 18 hours, including eight hours of virtual skills training. Scholarships may be available, with preference given to those serving rural areas or working in behavioral health settings.
Individuals interested in participating in the course can complete this online application. For more information, please visit the University of Kansas Tobacco Treatment Education Webpage.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently updated its Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) content on Medicare.gov. This update aligns with the broader CMS Behavioral Health Strategy, which aims to improve access to information and resources for all users seeking mental health and substance use disorder support. The strategy focuses on preventing and treating substance use disorders, ensuring effective pain management, and enhancing access to mental health care.
CMS encourages open communication with loved ones about mental health and well-being. Initiating conversations and expressing concern can be a significant first step. For those seeking further resources and support, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a variety of options, including 24/7 crisis counseling and confidential treatment referrals available through its website.
Immediate support is also available in a mental health crisis. Individuals can call or text 988 or chat with a professional at 988lifeline.org. These services operate 24/7. If facing an immediate threat to life or safety, calling 911 remains the recommended course of action.
By utilizing the resources provided by CMS and its partners, individuals can stay informed and take proactive steps toward enhanced mental health and substance use disorder management. These recent updates underscore CMS's commitment to prioritizing mental health and substance use disorder support, ensuring that crucial information and assistance are readily available to those in need.
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones weaken and become more prone to breaking. While it is commonly seen as a women's disease, men can also develop osteoporosis, especially as they age. This condition can lead to fractures in bones such as the hip, spine, and wrist, which can have serious health consequences.
Men over 65 are at a higher risk for osteoporosis, and the incidence of fractures in men is on the rise. Unfortunately, men are less likely than women to be screened or treated after experiencing a fracture. Understanding how bone strength changes with age, recognizing the risk factors, and knowing how to diagnose and treat osteoporosis can help men maintain healthier bones.
Bones are constantly renewing themselves, with old bones being replaced by new ones. Peak bone mass occurs in the 20s and is generally higher in men. As people age, they lose bone mass due to an imbalance in bone breakdown and formation. This bone loss occurs more slowly in men than in women because women lose estrogen after menopause. Although fractures from low bone density increase with age in both men and women, fractures occur later in men. However, men with significant fractures face higher risks of complications and death.
There are several risk factors that contribute to osteoporosis in men, including:
- Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
- Regular use of medications like Glucocorticoids
- Neurological conditions
- Low levels of sex hormones
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Muscle weakness
- Age 70 and over
Diagnosing osteoporosis often involves a central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) test to measure bone mineral density. Although routine DXA testing is not recommended for men, it is advised for women by age 65. Results for those over 50 are reported as T-scores, indicating bone density compared to a healthy young adult. For individuals under 50, results are reported as Z-scores, reflecting bone density compared to individuals of the same age.
Treatment strategies for osteoporosis are consistent across genders and include proper nutrition, lifestyle changes, regular exercise, fall prevention, and medication. Addressing these aspects helps individuals maintain bone health and reduce fracture risk. Both men and women can prevent osteoporosis by exercising, consuming a balanced diet, moderating alcohol, and avoiding smoking, all of which strengthen bones and lower fracture risk.
Osteoporosis poses a significant health risk by weakening bones and increasing the likelihood of fractures. Recognizing the various factors that influence bone health, including lifestyle choices and hormonal changes, is crucial for early detection and intervention. By addressing these factors and adopting healthier habits, individuals can reduce their risk of osteoporosis. For more information, please visit the Osteoporosis webpage.
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