OSTEOPOROSIS CARRIES HEFTY PRICE TAG
Building Strong Bones Today will Save Missourians Money, Pain

May 20, 2002
Contact:
Virginia Beatty, Assistant Manager
Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program
(800) 316-0935

The $17 billion price tag Americans pay to treat osteoporosis-related bone fractures, reported earlier this year by the National Osteoporosis> Foundation, will continue to rise if those at risk of the disease do not take action to build or maintain strong and healthy bones, Virginia Beatty,
Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program Assistant Manager reported this week.

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in Missouri, affecting more than 600,000 men and women. The disease causes the loss of bone tissue, which results in decreased bone strength. The resulting condition, sometimes called "porous bones," puts patients at a high risk of fracture.

"There are several things Missourians can do to build bone tissue, and various ways for them to keep the strong bones they already have," said
Beatty. "Springtime is a perfect opportunity for people of all ages to take charge of their health and get moving."

Beatty recommends that Missourians learn the risk factors associated with osteoporosis and take immediate action to build healthy bones and maintain their strength with diet and exercise.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

• A family history of osteoporosis
  
• Caucasian or Asian race
  
• The early onset of menopause
  
• A diet perpetually low in calcium
  
• A small and thin stature
  
• A sedentary lifestyle

Tips to Build Strong Bones, Maintain Bone Health
(Important for all Missourians, regardless of age.)

• Eat foods high in calcium, such as milk, yogurt and cheese.
  
• Incorporate weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, stair climbing, weight training or jogging, into your daily routine, especially at an early age.
  
• Be "consumer-wise" by reading food labels (to identify calcium-rich foods) and keeping abreast of new disease research.
  
• Talk to your doctor about your risk for osteoporosis and strategies to prevent the disease - they will vary depending upon your individual situation.
  
• If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, stay committed to your treatment plan.
  
• Stop smoking, as it can cause menopause to begin earlier in a woman's life, which causes an acceleration of bone loss in women.
  
• Limit alcohol and caffeine, as they limit the body's ability to absorb calcium.

Beatty stressed the importance of starting young to build strong bones, adding, "We build the majority of our bone tissue before we reach age 30. It's important for Missourians to take advantage of that time to build healthy bones; build when young, maintain as you age."

Building strong bones at an early age and maintaining that strength throughout one's life will result in a decreased likelihood of painful fractures and expensive hospitalizations needed for recovery.

"Taking small steps today will make a big difference in the future," said Beatty.

Media interested in featuring a local citizen dealing with osteoporosis prevention or treatment may call Andrew Shea, Bureau of Chronic Disease Control Public Information Assistant at 800-316-0935 for contact information.

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