Caitlin M. Vlaeminck, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
When I became a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2011, I did not expect to become a champion for Bone Health and a voice for patients with osteoporosis. I began my NP career in orthopedics and quickly learned about osteoporosis and its dramatic effects on the lives of the patients diagnosed with it. I was introduced to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and attended as many conference sessions as possible to learn more about treating patients with osteoporosis. This led to an opportunity to start a support group at the Lifeplex Medical Center in Plymouth Indiana. This facility had support groups meeting regularly so we created one for Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis. We met monthly and discussed topics varying from nutrition, fall prevention, treatments and management as well as bringing in guest speakers and having physical activity sessions (tai chi, chair yoga, cardiac drumming, etc). COVID made us pause our meetings in 2020 but we are excited to begin meeting again in June 2021. My grandmother and mother both have osteoporosis, but fortunately my knowledge and experience as a Bone Health Practitioner has allowed me to manage and impact their disease to prevent future fractures and progression of their disease.
NOF relies on volunteers across the country to help us provide support to the millions affected by osteoporosis. Whether you’d like to connect with fellow osteoporosis patients or get more involved to help those suffering from the disease, we have resources available to help you. Click here to learn more.