National Osteoporosis Foundation Launches New Educational Campaign During National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month 5/3/2004
From: Lynn Chard-Petrinjak of the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 202-223-2226 WASHINGTON, May 3 -- With one in two women and one in four men age 50 and older at risk for osteoporosis-related fractures, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), in support of Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month, is targeting consumers and healthcare professionals with an educational campaign titled, "Osteoporosis. Chances areit could be you." Osteoporosis, or porous bone, a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leads to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, affects 44 million American women and men over the age of 50.(Note 1) NOF prevalence estimates show the number of women age 50 and older who have osteoporosis or are at risk for developing the disease will increase from almost 30 million in 2002 to over 35 million in 2010. "NOF's campaign underscores the fact that the disease does not discriminate based on race, gender or age. We know that women in particular do not perceive themselves to be personally at risk for osteoporosis. Even though they may be aware of the disease, most women do not relate that awareness to their own risk," said Judith Cranford, executive director, National Osteoporosis Foundation. A recent survey conducted by Roper Public Affairs and Media on behalf of the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) found only 15 percent of women age 45 and older believed themselves to be at risk, even though most had two or more risk factors for osteoporosis. The top risk factor cited for osteoporosis among survey respondents was having normal or early menopause. Other risk factors -- which increase the likelihood for developing osteoporosis -- were being small boned or thin, having a family history of osteoporosis, a history of smoking, leading a sedentary or inactive lifestyle and currently smoking cigarettes. NOF's 2004 Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month materials include a questionnaire for determining one's risk with a convenient detachable wallet card containing prevention tips, poster and an informative brochure, emphasize the message, "Osteoporosis. Chances are...it could be you." For people with osteoporosis, everyday activities like picking up a newspaper, lifting a child or tripping on a curb can cause a broken bone, called a fracture. Almost every bone in the body can be affected, with fractures most commonly occurring in the wrist, the hip and the vertebrae of the spine. Pain, loss of independence and, sometimes, death can follow any osteoporotic fracture. NOF recommends to people of all ages five simple steps to bone health and osteoporosis prevention: 1. Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. 2. Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise. 3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol. 4. Talk to your doctor about bone health. 5. Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate. Additional information on National Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month, the recent survey cited above and osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment is available on-line at http://www.nof.org or by calling the Foundation toll-free at 800- 223-9994 The National Osteoporosis Foundation is the leading national nonprofit health organization solely dedicated to promoting lifelong bone health in order to reduce the widespread prevalence of osteoporosis and associated fractures, while working to find a cure for the disease through programs of research, education and advocacy. (Note 1) America's Bone Health: The State of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass in Our Nation. NOF, 2002. |