WASHINGTON, DC (October 20, 2012) – In honor of World Osteoporosis Day, observed annually on October 20, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is joining the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) in its effort to raise awareness for osteoporosis and call the public to action to make the first break the last.
To better understand the impact of broken bones due to osteoporosis, consider the following facts:
Worldwide, osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million broken bones annually, resulting in a broken bone every 3 seconds. In the U.S. alone, that’s two million broken bones due to osteoporosis annually and a broken bone every 20 seconds.
"Even with two million bone breaks occurring each year due to osteoporosis, the sad reality is only two in 10 patients with initial bone breaks get a follow-up test or treatment for osteoporosis,” said Amy Porter, CEO and Executive Director, National Osteoporosis Foundation. “NOF is the founding partner of the National Bone Health Alliance (NBHA) and a proud supporter of the 2Million2Many (www.2million2many.org) campaign that aims to break the fracture cycle by issuing a simple call to action: if it’s 50 + fracture, request a test for osteoporosis.”
One in two women over age 50 will suffer a bone break caused by osteoporosis in their lifetime, as will up to one in four men. In fact, the number of bone breaks per year caused by osteoporosis exceeds the incidence of heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined.
World Osteoporosis Day is the perfect time to remind the public about the importance of eating a healthy diet and getting appropriate exercise to build and maintain strong bones for life. Follow the five steps below to reduce your chance of breaking a bone due to osteoporosis:
Learn more about osteoporosis and how you can protect against it at www.nof.org.
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 International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is the world’s largest nongovernmental organization devoted to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases. IOF members—including committees of scientific researchers, patient, medical and research societies, and industry representatives from around the globe—share a common vision of musculoskeletal health without fragility fractures. IOF now represents more than 200 societies in all regions of the world. http://www.iofbonehealth.org
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.