By NOF; Wednesday, August 18, 2010

June 2009 - NOF Supports Legislation to Protect Patient Access to Osteoporosis Testing

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and several other organizations have joined forces on Capitol Hill to gain support for the “Medicare Fracture Prevention and Osteoporosis Testing Act of 2009” S. 769/H.R. 1894 and advocate for making it part of health care reform. On June 9 and 10, 2009, patients, doctors and NOF staff visited Members of Congress to emphasize the need to protect patient access to bone density tests and an educational briefing was also held.

The latest

Last week, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Panel voted that the risks of calcitonin salmon outweigh the benefits for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The panel joined health authorities around the world in reviewing the drug’s safety after two recent studies showed slightly higher rates of cancer among patients taking calcitonin. The panel voted against continued use of the drug by a narrow majority, pointing out that it has not been found very effective in preventing bone fractures.

In today's Washington Post article "Calcium and Vitamin D findings show that caring for your bones can be compilicated," NOF's senior clinical director, Dr. Felicia Cosman helps clear up some of the confusion around the recent and conflicting research on calcium and vitamin D. She says: "It’s confusing, even for doctors. But there’s a common thread: None of the heart or kidney risks were associated with calcium from food."

CIRCA, the leading international buyer of fine jewelry, diamonds and watches, announced a new partnership with NOF at a Generations of Strength luncheon at the Friars Club in New York City on February 26. To kick-off the partnership, CIRCA’s Acting CEO Mary L. Forté presented NOF Executive Director and CEO Amy Porter with a check for $25,000, to support NOF’s mission.