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.
WASHINGTON, DC (May 2, 2011) – In honor of National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and Harris Interactive are releasing the results of a survey about osteoporosis awareness and prevention. Overall, the survey shows promising results, with most respondents indicating they were aware of osteoporosis, its risk factors and how to prevent the disease. However, 34 percent of respondents indicated they had never heard of osteoporosis at all, showing that more works needs to be done.
Congress currently is deliberating the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2011, which in turn affects funding for federal agencies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the federal government’s premier biomedical research agency that conducts research on areas that include osteoporosis and bone health, does not have its funding for all of Fiscal Year 2011 (Oct. 1, 2010 – Sept. 30, 2011) and may face continuing budget cuts. Reducing NIH’s funding could result in setbacks in osteoporosis and bone health research.
WASHINGTON, DC (March 21, 2011) — The National Bone Health Alliance (NBHA), a private-public partnership working to improve the overall health and quality of life of all Americans by enhancing their bone health, has named David B. Lee, MPA, the new Director of the Alliance effective March 21, 2011.
WASHINGTON, DC (February 22, 2011) — Osteoporosis is a serious, widespread and growing public health threat, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). When the disease is undiagnosed or untreated, it is marked by broken bones (fractures) which cause pain, disability and in some cases, reduced lifespan.
The FDA has issued updated information on atypical fractures of the femur associated with the use of bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis. These drugs include Fosamax® (alendronate sodium), Actonel® (risedronate sodium), Boniva® (ibandronate sodium), Atelvia™ (risedronate sodium), Reclast® (zoledronic acid), and their generic equivalents.
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WASHINGTON, DC (January 20, 2011) — The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis. A detailed history and physical examination together with Bone Mineral Density (BMD) assessment and, where appropriate, the WHO 10-year estimated fracture probability are utilized to establish the individual patient’s fracture risk.
Because health reform legislation, the Affordable Care Act, was signed into law on March 23, 2010, health care coverage is more available this year. For most people with or at risk for osteoporosis, the legislation also should improve their health care and make it more affordable.*
Thanks to advocates like you, NOF made substantial progress in advancing osteoporosis and bone health on the national health agenda. As we prepare for 2011 and the new Congress, we would like to reflect on the achievements of 2010.
WASHINGTON, DC (November 30, 2010) — The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends that adults under age 50 get 400 - 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D every day, and that adults age 50 and older get 800 - 1,000 IU of vitamin D every day. For certain high risk individuals, higher dosages may be needed.