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GENERAL HOSPITAL

Alexis’ Osteoporosis Diagnosis on GH — Nancy Lee Grahn Speaks Out

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In the Sept. 18 episode of GENERAL HOSPITAL, Alexis is diagnosed with osteoporosis and her portrayer, Nancy Lee Grahn, visited THE VIEW to talk about why the storyline is so important to her. “Soaps, historically, have been a great venue to bring up important issues and this certainly is one,” she said. “And add to that that I’ve always been an advocate for women’s rights and so to use my soapbox to advocate for women’s health rights is really a privilege for me.”

Grahn reported that she is honored that GH is partnering with biopharmaceutical company Amgen to tell a story that many women can relate to whether they want to admit it or not. “What’s going to happen is you’re going to see my character, Alexis, get diagnosed with osteoporosis, try to wrap her head around it, and go through a serious bout of denial,” she previewed. “And that, to me, was really important to show, because osteoporosis is not a conversation that most women want to have. It brings up aging.

GH Alexis
Alexis ignored her symptoms until Ned forced her to see a doctor.ABC

“But one out of two women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis in their remaining lifetime,” Grahn added. “Which is no small thing. A break is life-altering and it can cause lots of pain, loss of mobility, and changes in lifestyle. That’s the first thing. The second thing is that this disease is chronic. And it’s progressive.”

However, the Emmy-winner knows that telling this story can also help women by showing them that there is hope and that they do have options. “The good news — and there is good news — is that there are lifestyle changes and treatment options” Grahn smiled. “Don’t deny this, ignore it… Over 50, talk to your doctors. What I really want people to do for expert advice is go to takechargeofosteo.com… and then, of course, tune in to GH!”

Stay tuned to see how Alexis’ story plays out, and if you’re a woman over 50, make sure you get yourself checked out!

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