Dr. Gabriel Chan, MBBS(HK), FHKAM, MRCP(UK), ABIM, FRCP(C), FRCP(EDIN),
Director of Geriatric Medical Services and Program Medical Director of Long-Term Care, North York General Hospital, Lecturer of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
Frances Simone, BSc, MHA, Director, Geriatric Ambulatory Care Services, North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON.
The POWER (Promoting Osteoporosis Wellness through Education, Exercise and Resources) program is a collaborative, multi-site initiative designed to empower older adults with osteoporosis to improve their quality of life and prevent falls. POWER consists of a seven-week, culturally sensitive education, exercise and nutrition program developed by North York General Hospital, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto Public Health and Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care. POWER is an effective health promotion model for osteoporosis management and falls prevention that can be replicated in other communities across the country.
Health promotion and disease prevention are very important concepts that support our collective goal for a healthy society. Currently, there is a need to develop models that fully integrate health promotion activities into our 'illness treatment' oriented health system. Without such models, we will face significant challenges as our population ages and our health system attempts to cope with the impact of chronic diseases.
