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NOF Shares A Gift to Mothers while Discussing Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment during Capitol Hill Briefing
WASHINGTON — The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) held a briefing on Capitol Hill today on bone health and osteoporosis. The briefing, titled A Gift to Mothers, featured patients and their family members speaking about the impact their diagnosis has had on their lives and the about the challenges they face. In addition, NOF provided attendees with the 2010 Survey of State Osteoporosis Activities that includes state-specific data on osteoporosis prevalence and programs. Today’s briefing also included special guests Representative Michael C. Burgess, M.D. and Representative Shelley Berkley.
As the nation’s leading voluntary health organization solely dedicated to promoting lifelong bone health and fighting osteoporosis, NOF’s goal is to reduce the widespread prevalence of osteoporosis and associated fractures and to find a cure for the disease through programs of awareness, education, advocacy and research. Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for more than 44 million Americans. In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals are estimated to already have the disease and more than 34 million are estimated to have low bone density, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.
Every day, NOF is committed to educating people about bone health and osteoporosis. This is especially important this May, as NOF celebrates National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. This year, NOF is challenging people to start more conversations about osteoporosis with friends and loved ones to increase the number of people who know about the disease and want to take action to prevent its onset. The single most proactive thing that can be done to prevent osteoporosis is to understand your risk factors for the disease. Speaking with your healthcare professional about osteoporosis will help you better understand your own risk for the disease as well as your options to improve or maintain your bone health.
“Bone health must become a priority for all Americans. Approximately one in two women and up to one in four men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their remaining lifetime,” said Robert R. Recker, M.D., National Osteoporosis Foundation President. “In 2005, osteoporosis was responsible for an estimated two million fractures and $19 billion in costs. By 2025, experts predict that osteoporosis will be responsible for three million fractures and $25.3 billion in costs. These conditions and circumstances could largely be prevented through proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment.”
About the National Osteoporosis Foundation Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation, a leading community-focused health organization, is dedicated to the prevention of osteoporosis and broken bones, the promotion of strong bones for life and the reduction of human suffering through programs of awareness, education, advocacy and research. For more information on the National Osteoporosis Foundation, visit www.nof.org.
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.
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