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HEALTHY FAMILY
A typical story about how a new
mom finds out that she has osteo-
porosis goes like this: Shortly after
giving birth, and usually after having
breastfed a few months, she is crip-
pled with extreme back pain out of
the blue — maybe after simply lift-
ing her child in the baby carrier or
doing a household chore. She proba-
bly thought it was just a strain from
having weakened back muscles from
pregnancy, and figured there was lit-
tle she could do but live with the pain for
a while. But then, she eventually discovers
that it doesn’t ever go away, thus finally
prompting a check-up.

Unfortunately, once getting checked,
a correct diagnosis can take months or
even years. And most mothers have to
insist on an X-ray or an MRI. It’s only
then when getting a scan, do those with
PLO discover that they have sustained
(sometimes multiple) vertebral frac-
tures, and have the DXA scores of a much
older woman.

Luckily, in some cases, those with PLO
have bounced back to their normal bone
Cohen and her team are currently
taking bone samples, bone images,
blood samples and saliva from a com-
prehensive group of PLO sufferers. “We
are looking at things like genetic factors,
hormonal factors and bone structure to
try and figure out the best treatments
and prevention strategies for this dis-
ease in the near future,” Cohen says.

The hope is that doctors nationwide
will soon better inform expectant
mothers of this possible risk, know
how to readily identify it, and then prescribe
proper and immediate treatment.

Hopefully, when it comes to DR and
PLO, you won’t have to worry about either of these
issues. But, it doesn’t hurt to be armed with as much
knowledge as possible, especially when doing
something as important as bringing a new life into
the world.

Of course, if you feel like you have any
health issues from pregnancy, always see
your doctor or a health professional. ■
health after they stop breastfeeding, but
others have to take osteoporosis medications.

Even though this condition is extremely
rare, it’s seriousness has recently come to
the attention of some of the nation’s top
doctors, including Adi Cohen an endo-
crinologist at Columbia University Irving
Medical Center.

Cohen has been studying osteoporo-
sis in younger women since 2005 and
became aware of PLO as part of these
studies. She is now leading the first
large-scale FDA-funded study of PLO Melanie Switzer-Reilly is a Washington,
with the help of an orphan (rare) disease D.C.-based television producer and
print journalist.

grant program.

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ABOVE: RYANKING999
2019 Baby & Maternity Guide
Aidan Montessori School
2700 27th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.

aidanschool.org aidan@aidanschool.org
202-387-2700 Type(s): Child Care (younger than 2 yrs.)
Description: Washington, D.C.’s oldest
AMI-accredited Montessori school serving
ages 18 months to Grade 6.

BASIS Independent McLean
8000 Jones Branch Dr., Va.

mclean.basisindependent.com mclean-admissions@
basisindependent.com 703-854-1253
Type(s) Classes & Instruction
Description: The Twos Program at BASIS
Independent McLean provides children
between the ages of 2 and 3 years old
with a supportive environment that
nurtures growing minds and inspires a
love of learning. Led by caring, thoughtful
teachers who are experts in early
childhood development, our program
lays the necessary building blocks for
physical, social, emotional and language
development. Capital Gymnastics
National Training Center
10400 Premier Ct., Va.

capitalgymnasticsntc.com capitalgymnasticsntc@gmail.com
703-239-0044 Type(s): Classes & Instruction
Description: Capital Gymnastics National
Training Center offers recreational and
competitive classes in Gymnastics, Cheer,
Xcel, TOPs, and Tumbling. Our programs
start as young as 18 months for the parent
and tot classes and go up to adult training.

Encore Stage & Studio
4000 Lorcom Ln., Va.

encorestageva.org/classes 6-months-5-years-old
info@encoresteage.org 703-548-1154
Type(s): Classes & Instruction
Description: Share, grow and learn with
your child during this special time in their
life! Encore’s parent/caregiver classes
will promote your child’s development
and provide exciting enrichment. Through
creative play, movement, and music,
your child will sharpen critical social and
physical skills in a fun and imaginative
environment. Classes are held Tuesday
mornings, 10:30 am – 11:15 am. Drop in
rate $13, Monthy registration available for
$10 per class.

Encore Stage & Studio
4000 Lorcom Ln., Va.

encorestageva.org info@encorestage.org
703-548-1154 Type(s): Classes & Instruction
Description: Encore Stage & Studio
offers classes for ages 6 months
through 2 years old on Tuesday
mornings. Share, grow and learn
with your child during this special
time in their life! Encore’s parent/
caregiver classes will promote your
child’s development and provide
exciting enrichment. Through creative
play, movement and music your child
will sharpen critical social and
physical skills in a fun and imaginative
environment. Classes for ages 3-5
are available Saturday mornings and
Wednesday afternoons.

Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
10th and Constitution Ave., N.W.

Washington, D.C.

seecstories.com rasoc@si.edu
202-633-0121 Type(s): Classes & Instruction, Child Care
(younger than 2 yrs.)
Description: Founded in 1988, the
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
(SEEC) is a school for infants –
kindergartners that uses museums and
the community at-large as part of it’s
curriculum. We believe that young children
are capable learners who benefit from
inquiry-based instruction, child-directed
experiences, and play. SEEC is especially
committed to supporting a child’s social
emotional development as well as positive
sense of self. In addition to our school,
we offer single family workshops, part-
time family programs, and classes for
educators and caregivers. ■
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