By NOF, Washington, DC; Thursday, May 5, 2011

National Osteoporosis Foundation Events Honor Leaders in Bone Health and Educate the Public about Healthy Bones

WASHINGTON, DC (May 5, 2011) – The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) will honor Mercedes Ellington, dancer, choreographer and granddaughter of “Duke” Ellington, at its Silhouette Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 19 at The Cosmopolitan™ of Las Vegas. Other honorees include Director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D.; C. Conrad Johnston, Jr., M.D. of the Indiana University School of Medicine; and patient advocate, Sally Fullman, Ph.D. The dinner – open to the public – is followed by NOF’s inaugural Healthy Bones, Build Them For Life™ Consumer and Patient Forum on Saturday, May 21, where the featured speaker is bestselling author and trusted authority on health, Jane Brody of the New York Times. 

These events – highlights of National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month – will gather renowned leaders and key advocates for bone health. Both programs will provide a strong platform for raising awareness of this disease which affects an estimated 1 in 2 women and up to 1 in 4 men in the U.S. today.

The Silhouette Awards Dinner is NOF’s premier special event. The name of the event reflects our hope that, one day, every silhouette will stand tall and osteoporosis will no longer impact the health and well-being of so many millions. Jon Stetson, “America’s Master Mentalist,” will serve as the entertainer and Master of Ceremonies.

The Consumer and Patient Forum will bring together nationally-recognized experts to address the public’s questions about osteoporosis. It will open with Jane Brody’s presentation, Shaping Public Opinion About Osteoporosis, where she will explore the role of journalists and the media in sharing accurate health information with the public. This is followed by a town hall style session, Osteoporosis and You: Being a Savvy Healthcare Consumer, and an exhibit hall which includes interactive demonstrations teaching consumer and patients about nutrition, exercise and osteoporosis treatment options. This first-time event is free to registered participants.

“An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 34 million have low bone density, placing them at increased risk for broken bones,” said Robert Recker, M.D., president of NOF. “Our initiatives are dedicated to diminishing the scope and burden of the disease and helping people maintain active, healthy and independent lives.”

“The Silhouette Awards Dinner and Consumer and Patient Forum allow NOF to gather our key leaders, advocates and healthcare professionals to educate the public and raise awareness about the prevention, diagnosis and management of osteoporosis,” said Amy Porter, executive director and CEO of NOF. “Our dinner honorees are representative of the scientific, entertainment and general public communities, and they show that everyone can do their part to build healthy bones for life.”

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.