The Margaret Beckley Upton Center for Health Enhancement and Dr. Kenneth Edwards, orthopedic surgeon and Medical Director of Surgical Services at Lakeland HealthCare, are teaming up for a series of free screenings and presentations to encourage women to take good care of their bones.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the negative effects osteoporosis can have on women,” Edwards said. “Osteoporosis can rob women’s bones of minerals and strength, leaving them vulnerable to fractures and serious medical complications.”

Free bone screenings offered in Niles and St. Joseph will use ultrasound to evaluate bone density in the heel, helping to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Appointments for the screening are preferred by calling (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

n 4 to 6 p.m. May 24; Buchanan Area Health Resource Library, Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles; 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue

n Noon to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. June 6, noon to 2:00 p.m.; Lakeland Community Health Resource Library, Center for Outpatient Services, St. Joseph; 3900 Hollywood Rd.

Edwards will share tips for better bone health for women of all ages at two free presentations which also include a free dinner (optional). For more information or to register, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

n 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (dinner), 6:30 to 8 p.m. (lecture) May 31; Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles; 31 N. St. Joseph Ave.

n 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (dinner), 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (lecture) June 7; Frederick S. Upton Education Center, Rooms 2 and 4, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph; 1234 Napier Ave.