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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES News Release
By 2020, One In Two Americans Over
Age 50 Will Be At Risk For Fractures From Osteoporosis Or Low Bone
Mass
The Surgeon General issues first-ever report on nation's bone health
U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.,
warned today in a new report that by 2020, half of all American
citizens older than 50 will be at risk for fractures from osteoporosis
and low bone mass if no immediate action is taken by individuals
at risk, doctors, health systems, and policymakers. This new report,
"Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General"
says that 10 million Americans over the age of 50 have osteoporosis,
the most common bone disease, while another 34 million are at risk
for developing osteoporosis. And each year, roughly 1.5 million
people suffer a bone fracture related to osteoporosis.
This report is the first-ever Surgeon General's report on the topic
of bone health. Osteoporosis and other bone diseases, such as Paget's
disease and osteogenesis imperfecta can lead to a downward spiral
in physical health and quality of life, including losing the ability
to walk, stand up, or dress, and can lead to premature death.
"This report will shape the way we approach, talk, and act about
bone diseases," HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. "The
more we learn, the more we realize that so many diseases are preventable,
from obesity, to many types of cancer, and now bone disease. I want
to thank Dr. Carmona and all the scientists and researchers who worked
on this report. I look forward to the impact this new information
will make in the health of communities."
Other findings in the report include:
- About 20 percent of senior citizens who suffer a hip fracture
die within a year of fracture.
- About 20 percent of individuals with a hip fracture end up in
a nursing home within a year.
- Hip fractures account for 300,000 hospitalizations each year.
- The direct care costs for osteoporotic fractures alone are already
up to $18 billion each year. That number is expected to increase
if action to prevent osteoporosis is not taken now.
"Osteoporosis isn't just your grandmother's disease. We all
need to take better care of our bones," Dr. Carmona said. "The
good news is that you are never too old or too young to improve
your bone health. With healthy nutrition, physical activity every
day, and regular medical check-ups and screenings, Americans of
all ages can have strong bones and live longer, healthier lives.
Likewise, if it's diagnosed in time, osteoporosis can be treated
with new drugs that help prevent bone loss and rebuild bone before
life-threatening fractures occur."
According to the new report, osteoporosis is a "silent"
condition because many Americans are unaware that their bone health
is in jeopardy. In fact, four times as many men and nearly three
times as many women have osteoporosis than report having the condition.
One of the most dangerous myths about osteoporosis is that only
women need to worry about bone health. Osteoporosis affects men
and women of all races, and while bone weakness manifests in older
Americans, strong bones begin in childhood.
The Surgeon General's report is a call for Americans to take action
to improve and maintain healthy bones. The report includes recommendations
on what Americans can do to decrease the likelihood of developing
osteoporosis.
These recommendations include:
- Getting the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. High
levels of calcium can be found in milk, leafy green vegetables,
soybeans, yogurt and cheese. Vitamin D is produced in the skin
by exposure to the sun and is found in fortified milk and other
foods. For individuals who are not getting enough calcium and
vitamin D in the diet, supplements may be helpful. The average
adult under 50 needs about 1000mg of calcium per day and 200 International
Units (IU) of Vitamin D (one cup of vitamin D fortified milk provides
302 mg of calcium and 50 IU of Vitamin D).
- Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active at
least 30 minutes a day for adults and 60 minutes a day for children,
including weight-bearing activities to improve strength and balance.
- Taking steps to minimize the risk of falls by removing items
that might cause tripping, improving lighting, and encouraging
regular exercise and vision tests to improve balance and coordination.
I always worried about heart disease and cancer, but was never concerned
about the health of my bones," said Abby Perelman, who is being
treated for osteoporosis. "I wish I knew then what I know now
-- that a healthy diet and physical activity can make bones stronger
and healthier."
The report also calls on health care professionals to help Americans
maintain healthy bones by evaluating risks for patients of all ages,
recommending bone density tests for women over the age of 65 and for
any man or woman who suffers even a minor fracture after the age of
50. In addition, the report calls on health care professionals to
look for "red flags" that may indicate that someone is at
risk, including people who are under 50 who have had multiple fractures,
or patients who take medications or have a disease that can lead to
bone loss.
All health care professionals need to be aware of the early indicators
of bone disease," said Dr. Lawrence Raisz of the University of
Connecticut Health Center, one of the scientific editors of the report.
"Many of my patients had no idea their minor fracture was an
indication of a larger problem. The health care system can do a better
job of helping patients protect themselves from bone disease."
In addition to the release of the report, the Surgeon General has
published a companion "People's Piece" specifically written
for the American people. The magazine-style, full-color booklet offers
ready-to-use information on how people can improve their bone health.
This is the second People's Piece that Dr. Carmona has produced as
part of his commitments to improving the health literacy of Americans
and providing the best scientific information available in a way that
everyone can understand and use to live longer, healthier lives. The
first People's Piece discussed the health consequences of smoking
and was released in May 2004.
The free People's Piece, The 2004 Surgeon General's Report on Bone
Health and Osteoporosis: What It Means To You, is available by calling
toll free 1-866-718-BONE or visiting www.surgeongeneral.gov.
"Thirty years ago, doctors thought weak bones and osteoporosis
were a natural part of aging, but today we know they are not. We can
do a lot to prevent bone disease," said Dr. Carmona. "Everyone
has a role to play in improving bone health, and this report is a
starting point for national action on bone health. Let's get started
by taking action today in homes, health care settings, and communities
across our nation."
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