News Release
August 2, 2007

StrongWomen workshop takes osteoporosis fight to Wyoming communities

A train-the-trainer workshop to help seniors increase muscle and bone mass – and beat back osteoporosis – through weight training is Wednesday, Sept. 5, in Casper.

The all-day StrongWomen seminar is at the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service (UW CES) Natrona County Agricultural Resource and Learning Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Road. Preregistration is required. Those registering will be screened – attendees have to be willing and physically able to conduct a StrongWomen class as a trainer, said organizers.

Professionals and community leaders working in the fields of public health, gerontology, kinesiology, nutrition and exercise are urged to attend, said Christine Pasley, UW CES educator.

The StrongWomen program was developed by Miriam Nelson, Ph.D., and her staff at Tufts University. Studies there showed weight training doesn’t just build strength, it can increase bone density and reduce the risk for fractures among women aged 50-70. Benefits of this weight training include arthritis relief, better balance, stronger bones, weight maintenance, improved glucose, increased self-esteem, sleep improvement, improved balance and increased aerobic capacity. Nelson is also the author of Strong Women, Strong Bones; Strong Women Stay Slim; and Strong Women Stay Young, among other books.

More than 80 percent of women and 20 percent are diagnosed with osteoporosis, Pasley said.

Pasley, who serves Goshen, Laramie and Platte counties, has offered the classes for more than two years in Chugwater, Guernsey and Wheatland.

“People really want this program in Wyoming,” she said. “I’m giving other people the opportunity to take this class and offer it in their communities.”

Shirley Perryman, a specialist with Colorado State University Extension and a program ambassador, is the key presenter. Those attending the training should be in good physical health and be able to collaborate with local agencies or organizations to provide the program in their communities, she said.

There is a two-part registration.  The screening is requested by Aug. 13.  The follow-up registration is due by Aug. 26.  There is a $100 registration fee, which covers meals and a training kit. Those interested in participating can obtain a paper registration form by contacting a local UW CES office. A listing of offices online is at http://ces.uwyo.edu/Counties.asp.

An electronic registration form is also available through local UW CES offices or by contacting Pasley at chrisp@uwyo.edu.

On the Web: www.strongwomen.com/

http://ces.uwyo.edu/Platte_main.asp
 

Contact: Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor
Phone: (307) 766-6342
E-mail: slmiller@uwyo.edu
Archived News Site http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/UWAG/news.asp

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