(Washington, DC) — The National Coalition for Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases applauds Rep. Berkley (D-NV), Rep. Burgess (R-TX) and the more than 60 Members of Congress who have joined together to introduce the Bone Health Promotion and Research Act of 2009. "We are pleased to have bipartisan support for this timely legislation which will educate Americans about achieving better bone health as well as help people who suffer from debilitating bone diseases, fulfilling the call to action from the Surgeon General's 2004 Report on, Bone Health and Osteoporosis," stated Ethel S. Siris, M.D., Madeline C. Stabile Professor of Clinical Medicine; Director, Toni Stabile Osteoporosis Center; Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY.

Bone health is a critical component in the overall health and quality of life of Americans. An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 34 million have low bone mass, which puts them at risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. In addition, osteogenesis imperfecta is characterized by fragile bones and frequent fractures. It is estimated to afflict an estimated 40,000 people. Paget's disease of the bone, a disorder that results in enlarged and deformed bones in one or more parts of the body, afflicts an estimated 700,000 Americans over the age of 60.

It is estimated that fractures resulting from osteoporosis or low bone mass cost our health care system more than $19 billion each year. Experts predict that cost will rise to $25.3 billion by 2025. Early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis alone has been demonstrated to dramatically reduce fracture rates and generate substantial savings overall.

The legislation incorporates many of the initiatives discussed in the Surgeon General's Report, "Bone Health and Osteoporosis." The bill would provide for greater comprehensive osteoporosis and related bone disease control and prevention programs along with national educational outreach activities. This act would create a National Bone Health Program to augment education and outreach initiatives through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and provide state grants for comprehensive osteoporosis and related bone disease surveillance, control, and prevention programs and activities. This bill would also expand and intensify research activities of the National Institutes of Health on osteoporosis and related bone diseases.

As Congress continues to debate healthcare reform, including proposals to increase the emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention, it is critical that legislation addressing the growing problem of osteoporosis and preventable bone fractures is part of the discussion. This important legislation provides for a comprehensive national bone health strategy focused on education, prevention and research and in doing so advances an effective strategy to address a growing health crisis.

Celebrating 25 years of Standing Tall for You®, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. Its mission is to prevent osteoporosis, to promote lifelong bone health, to help improve the lives of those affected by osteoporosis and related fractures, and to find a cure through programs of awareness, education, advocacy and research. For more information on osteoporosis and bone health, contact NOF online at www.nof.org or by phone 1-800-223-9994.

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