U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Osteoporosis and Bone Health Puts Spotlight on Growing National Health Threat

(Washington, DC) October 14, 2004 – The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) applauds the release of the first Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health and  Osteoporosis in this nation’s history. 

“This report is a milestone in the field of osteoporosis and bone health,” said Bess Dawson-Hughes, MD, President, NOF and Professor of Medicine and a member of the Endocrine Division at Tufts University. “Since the National Osteoporosis Foundation first opened its doors 20 years ago, we have seen great progress in the diagnosis and treatment of this devastating disease. This report brings together all the advances we have seen, offering patients, the public and healthcare professionals the opportunity to improve their understanding of disease risk factors, prevention steps and treatment options, making it easier for them to take the steps they need to protect their bone health.”

Osteoporosis affects an estimated 44 million American men and women age 50 and older, according to NOF prevalence statistics. One in two women and one in four men in this age group will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Annually, osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million broken bones, costing the nation $17 billion.* 

“Despite these staggering numbers, most people do not realize their personal risks of developing osteoporosis or suffering a related fracture. This report serves as a wake-up call to the American public to take action now to minimize the risks of this disease,” said Judith Cranford, NOF Executive Director. “Osteoporosis may be a silent disease, but we cannot afford to be silent about it.”

As the nation’s leading voluntary health organization solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health, NOF encourages all individuals to 
* Get their daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D; 
* Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise; 
* Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use; 
* Talk to a doctor about bone health and have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate.
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. 

*America's Bone Health: The State of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass in Our Nation. National Osteoporosis Foundation. Washington, DC:2002