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." ### Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and
other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news. Last Revised: October 14, 2004 |
|
|
