FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Bone mass will be the next topic in the University of South Alabama Baldwin County’s Distinguished Lecture Series. USABC and Mercy Medical are co-sponsoring the free educational lecture, “Keeping Your Bones Healthy for a Lifetime: Osteoporosis Prevention & Treatment Options for Adolescence Through Adulthood.”

The presentation will take place on Saturday, at 7 p.m., at the USABC Performance Center on the corner of St. James Avenue and Summit Street in Fairhope. Space is limited, so reservations are requested.

A Mayo Clinic health information Web site describes osteoporosis, which means “porous bones,” as causing bones to become so weak and brittle that even bending over, lifting a vacuum cleaner or coughing can cause a fracture. The information indicates that in most cases, “bones weaken when you have low levels of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals in your bones.”

The spine, hip and wrist seem to be most at risk, and although often thought of as a women’s disease, osteoporosis affects many men as well.

Bone is constantly changing, according to the Web site. New bone is made and old bone is broken down — a process called remodeling. A full cycle takes about two to three months. When you’re young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone, and your bone mass increases. As you age, however, you lose slightly more than you gain.

“We’ll talk about the importance of dealing with osteoporosis whether you’re young or old,” said Dr. Gary Keough, who will be USABC’s guest speaker. “It’s a decrease in bone mass. The important thing to know is until they’re 25, bones are dense. Then they becomes less dense.” He noted several factors such as bulimia, obesity and lack of weight-bearing exercise such as walking, running and cycling can increase the chances of developing osteoporosis.

Keogh, board certified in physiatry and family practice, is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. He is currently medical director for the Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital, and the director of the Mercy Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Institute.

During his lecture, Keogh will explore the history of osteoporosis, a debilitating disease that can be prevented and treated. Keogh said it is important to learn more about how to protect yourself and your family.

“Other diseases put people at higher risk of having osteoporosis,” he said. “It’s important to eat a well-balanced diet including Vitamin D.

Keogh also recommends avoiding the use of steroids, and taking good care of yourself when you’re young.

He said, “There is no natural way of increasing bone density past your mid-20s. Get as much density as possible in your youth.”

A lot depends on genetics, Keogh pointed out. Women are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis, especially after menopause, but medications are available to help control the disease, he added.

“I’ll go into the different hormones that are created by fat tissue and how they protect, but how that is overridden by lack of exercise,” Keogh said. “The problem with obesity is the lack of activity.”

Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or spinal cord injuries are also at increased risk because they are often not able to be as active, he said.

The audience will have an opportunity to ask the doctor questions about osteoporosis after his presentation.

Keogh was born in Dublin, Ireland. He attended the National University of Ireland Medical School in Galway.

Call USABC today to reserve your seat at (251) 928-8133.