A message from the Program Chair
Osteoporosis contributes significantly to the health burden facing this nation. With 8,000 Americans turning 60 years-old every day and a population that is living longer, our nation’s healthcare system is facing significant challenges over the next 30 – 40 years. As the leading voluntary health organization dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), is working to ensure our aging population can enjoy an independent and healthy future. To better prepare clinical practitioners to optimize bone health, NOF has developed a series of regional educational meetings to facilitate the exchange of important information on the prevention and treatment of fractures related to osteoporosis.
These meetings will provide practical information related to bone health issues and stimulating discussion on some of the controversies in this rapidly evolving field. The curriculum includes an overview of new strategies for diagnosing osteoporosis, nutritional health, new agents for treatment of osteoporosis, and in depth discussions of specific problems that range from bone loss in patients treated for breast cancer with new agents to the rare condition of osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with bisphosphonate use. This is an educational opportunity you won’t want to miss.
NOF is dedicated to its mission of preventing osteoporosis and related fractures, promoting lifelong bone health, helping those affected by osteoporosis and finding a cure. We provide valuable resources that assist in improving patient care and are proud to be the primary resource on osteoporosis and bone health for health professionals and consumers.
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Meeting Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to bring together a variety of primary healthcare professionals from certain geographic regions to discuss issues of importance relating to osteoporosis and bone health. The content will address both global and local concerns presented by nationally recognized presenters and regional experts.
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Statement of Need
Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, or 55 percent of the people 50 years of age and older. In the U.S. today, almost 34 million people are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.
The economic and societal burden of the disease is profound. There are an estimated 1.5 million fractures, including 300,000 hip fractures, per year in the United States. There are 140,000 nursing home admissions annually in the U.S. due to osteoporotic fractures; 10% of patients are permanently disabled by hip fracture and 19% require long-term institutionalization. Of those patients treated for osteoporosis, 50% are in the care of a primary care provider.
A key message of the 2004 Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis is that all health care professionals, especially primary care providers, have the opportunity and responsibility to encourage patients to play a critical role in promoting their own bone health. The report specifically mentions nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and physician assistants’ contribution to the provision of bone care. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and dietitians are also cited for their valuable role in patient care. (SGR, pg 254).
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Outcome Objectives
Upon completion of this activity participants will be able to:
- Benefit from the wealth of resources available to them and their patients through the National Osteoporosis Foundation
- Improve their patient risk assessment process through enhanced use of updated guidelines and criteria
- Relay greater understanding to their patients regarding lifestyle choices to prevent osteoporosis and improve bone health
- Evaluate and address clinical challenges related to osteoporosis and bone health
- Provide better patient outcomes through the appropriate use of all osteoporosis treatment strategies available to them
- Enhance their practice through the immediate use of the NOF Clinician’s Guide for the Treatment and Prevention of Osteoporosis
- Apply their learning to actual practice through the discussion of real life case studies
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Target Audience
This activity will provide educational opportunities for healthcare professionals in:
Family Practice
OB-GYN
Internal Medicine
Nursing
Pharmacy |
Health Education
Densitometry
Rehabilitation
Fitness
Public Health |
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Disclosure Policies
It is the policy of the National Osteoporosis Foundation to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all sponsored publications and programs. NOF requires disclosure of any significant financial interest or any other relationship that the Conference Planning Committee or Faculty members have with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s). All faculty and contributors to this continuing education activity have disclosed any real or apparent interest that may have direct bearing on the subject matter of this program. Specific disclosure information will be included in the course handout materials.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The National Osteoporosis Foundation is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all programs and services, and does not discriminate on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, including marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
Americans with Disabilities Statement
The National Osteoporosis Foundation in support of the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), endeavors to honor all requests for reasonable accommodations in order for participants and/or members to achieve equal access to all programs and services.
Liability Disclaimer Statement
The National Osteoporosis Foundation shall not be held liable for personal injury, death, property damage or loss suffered by a participant in connection with any program or service, whether due to the negligence of staff or others.
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