Actress takes a lesson, shares another

The two-time Academy Award winner was at Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club on Saturday afternoon speaking about osteoporosis.

Earlier in the day, she received her first golf lesson from Pine Needles matriarch Peggy Kirk Bell and renowned instructor Dana Rader of Charlotte.

“It was fabulous,” Field said.

A witness to her lessons added: “She hit them far ... and they got air.”

Field was visiting the Sandhills to talk about something she is much more knowledgeable about: “Rally With Sally for Bone Health.”

She spoke along with Dr. Robert Littleton, a Raleigh doctor who gave information and tips on how women can improve their bone health.

Field, who is 60, was diagnosed with osteoporosis more than a year ago. She emphasized to her mostly women audience the importance of asking your doctor to schedule bone-density tests.

“If the doctor doesn’t want to give it, get another doctor,” Field said.

She said that because of her age, petite body, family history and race, she was a prime candidate for the disease. However, she still was surprised when her family practitioner told her she was at risk of easily fracturing a bone if she did not get treatment.

Now, she said, with the aid of medication, she has stopped the progression.

Field also is the spokeswoman for the osteoporosis drug Boniva.

Osteoporosis threatens more than 44 million Americans age 50 and older. It is estimated that 10 million people have the disease and that nearly 34 million more have low bone mass, a condition that puts them at increased risk for osteoporosis
source:www.fayobserver.com