 |
 “The first ever Surgeon General's Report on bone health has been released and tells the nation that osteoporosis, a silent disease, is a significant public health threat that has devastating consequences. But it is largely preventable and treatable. Get informed, speak to you doctor and protect your bones.”
- Bess Dawson-Hughes, MD, President, National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and Professor of Medicine and a member of the Endocrine Division at Tufts University.
 “In the United States, one in two women and one in four men, aged 50 and older will have an osteoporosis related fracture. It is important for all individuals--regardless of age--to take steps to protect their bones. What good are strong minds and strong hearts, if our bones are fragile and crumbling?”
- Judith Cranford, Executive Director, National Osteoporosis Foundation
By 2020 half of all Americans over age 50 will be at risk for fractures from osteoporosis and low bone mass, but osteoporosis is for the most part preventable. Weak bones should not be excused as a natural part of getting older; osteoporosis is not a normal part of the aging process. In recent years the medical community has made great strides in understanding the physical, mental and economic effects of osteoporosis. It has come to the forefront as one of the leading diseases threatening the health of people over 50. On October 14, 2004, US Surgeon General Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, launched the first-ever Surgeon General's Report on "Bone Health and Osteoporosis." This two year, 400 page, landmark report emphasizes the need for comprehensive, accurate information about bone health, signaling to all Americans that bone health must be considered a national public health priority.
Though osteoporosis and low bone mass are a major public health threat, currently affecting an estimated 44 million Americans, bone health is often an overlooked aspect of health care. Many call osteoporosis the "silent thief" because it progresses slowly over time, without symptoms, until a fracture occurs. While many believe that osteoporosis is an elderly Caucasian women's disease, in fact it affects men and women of all races. Four times as many men and nearly three times as many women have osteoporosis than report having the condition. Osteoporosis and bone disease result in painful and debilitating fractures effecting the mobility and mental health of the patients. All people need take action to protect their bones. A healthy skeletal system and strong bones are essential to overall health and quality of life. Strong bones protect the heart, lungs, brain and other organs from injury. Fortunately you are never too young or too old to improve your bone health. Even if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it's not too late to take steps to protect your bones.
Below we have provided information from the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the leading nonprofit, voluntary health organization in the U.S. dedicated to promoting lifelong bone health. There you will find facts on osteoporosis outlining specific risk factors, treatment options and preventative care.
| | |
