National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) Continues National Commitment to Professional Education

10/24/2003

From: Lynn Chard-Petrinjak of the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 202-223-2226

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 -- The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), in an effort to offer physicians and other healthcare professionals opportunities to expand their understanding and better serve people with, or at risk for, osteoporosis recently held the first in a series of three continuing medical education meetings being held across the country, "Osteoporosis: Practical Approaches to Prevention, Diagnosis and Management." NOF's professional education mandate reaches across the country with additional meetings occurring in Clearwater, FL, November 22-23, and in Scottsdale, AZ, December 6-7.

Osteoporosis and low bone mass are a major public health threat for almost 44 million U.S. women and men aged 50 and older. Osteoporosis causes 1.5 million fractures, most of which are at the spine, wrist and hip. Yet, as many as 95percent of adults who break a bone are not evaluated for osteoporosis.

National leaders in the field led the meeting and provided the most current evidence-based information needed to effectively detect and manage osteoporosis and low bone mass. Topics include effective prevention strategies, diagnostic technologies, clinical disease management and physical rehabilitation applications.

"Osteoporosis is a devastating disease. As part of our mission, NOF is committed to putting the latest diagnosis, treatment and prevention information in the hands of every healthcare provider in the country," said Judith A. Cranford, Executive Director, NOF.

"Osteoporosis: Practical Approaches to Prevention, Diagnosis and Management" offers a maximum of 12.9 hours of Category I credit toward the Physician's Recognition Award of the American Medical Association and 12.3 Nurses Contact Hours. In addition, the International Society for Clinical Densitometry will accept 11.25 continuing education credits and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists will accept a maximum of 12 Category B credits. Registration information is available at http://www.nof.org.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation is the leading nonprofit, voluntary health organization 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.