ST. JOSEPH — Lakeland Orthopedic Physical Therapy is now enrolling participants for Bones in Balance, a four-week program designed to teach those diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopenia how to successfully live with these conditions through self-management.

Bones in Balance seeks to incorporate education and exercise and is led by specially trained physical therapists. The program includes self-management tips from a pharmacist, registered dietitian and nurse educator.

Classes meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a four-week period at the Center for Outpatient Services, located at 3900 Hollywood Road in St. Joseph. Registration is now open for the next set of classes which will run from 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 5 to 7:30 p.m. April 2 to 25.

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that affects more than 44 million Americans, and although both men and women can develop the disease, more than 80 percent of sufferers are women over the age of 45. Osteoporosis is commonly referred to as “the silent disease,” because bone loss occurs without any visible symptoms at first. Many people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until their bones are so weak that the smallest strain or fall causes a bone to fracture.

A physician’s order is required to participate. There is a $25 registration fee to cover the cost of materials. The remaining amount is billable to the individual’s insurance. For more information or to register, call (269) 556-7150.

Spectrum Health Lakeland is a non-profit, community-owned health system serving southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. The service offers a continuum of care and wellness services including three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, and 41 physician practices. Lakeland is a division of Spectrum Health with 30,000 professionals, 4,100 medical staff experts, 3,200 volunteers and a health plan serving 1 million members. Lakeland was named a 100 Top Hospital by IBM Watson Health in 2019.