National Osteoporosis Foundation Celebrates World Osteoporosis Day 2007

(Washington, DC) October 19, 2007 – The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is taking part in an international effort to raise awareness of osteoporosis and help individuals recognize risk factors for the disease on October 20, World Osteoporosis Day.

According to NOF prevalence statistics and reinforced in the 2004 Surgeon General’s report on bone health and osteoporosis, one in two women and one in four men over 50 in the U.S. will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Consequences of a broken bone from osteoporosis often result in pain, deformity, immobility, loss of independence, and could lead to death.

“Just 30 years ago, most people considered osteoporosis and broken bones to be a normal part of aging—but that view has changed, said Leo Schargorodski, executive director of NOF. “Today, research shows that individuals can protect their bones throughout their lifetime and recognizing osteoporosis risk factors can have a significant positive impact on bone health later in life.” 

Organizations in 80 countries throughout the world are participating in World Osteoporosis Day. In the U.S., NOF is celebrating the day with a number of activities and initiatives to help Americans know and reduce their risk of osteoporosis. These activities include:

Steps for Strong Bones: NOF and Woman’s Day magazine joined efforts to challenge individuals across the country to take Steps for Strong Bones and incorporate walking into their daily routine. Participants were asked to track their progress online with a Steps for Strong Bones walking community that offers information on bone health and osteoporosis and incentives to continue walking. The challenge culminates on October 20–World Osteoporosis Day—with the top participant winning a trip to New York City.

Beat the Break: In recognition of World Osteoporosis Day on October 20, the October issue of Woman’s Day magazine encourages readers to “Beat the Break” by following a safety checklist for preventing falls and fractures in and around the home. In addition, Woman’s Day is featuring the fall prevention checklist online for readers to print out and use as a resource.

Start Right, Stay Strong: NOF also teamed up with Ladies’ Home Journal magazine in conjunction with Roche and GlaxoSmithKline to launch a new bone health program, called “Start Right, Stay Strong.” The program highlights the importance of bone health, exercise and nutrition for women across the country through in-mall walking events and online resources. “Start Right Stay Strong” kicked off on September 8 and stopped in 10 cities across the country. The final two events will be held on October 20 in celebration of World Osteoporosis Day.  Each event includes a one-mile mall walk, a fitness expert who leads the group in easy stretches, educational booths and materials on bone health and osteoporosis, and the opportunity to have a heel scan from a medical professional. Walkers can also enter to win a three-month membership to a local gym, which includes five personal training sessions. The events encourage individuals across the country take action to improve their bone health, recognize their risk for osteoporosis, and help NOF increase awareness of the disease.

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About NOF: Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. NOF is working to make bone health a reality and a lifelong priority for all individuals through programs of awareness, public and health professional education, advocacy and research.