Barbara Dehn

May is OSTEOPOROSIS Awareness Month Osteoporosis is a common disease that causes bones to become thinner and weaker, and is often called a “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Osteoporosis threatens more than 44 million Americans age 50 and older and at least half of all women over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in their remaining lifetime. In the U. S. there are 1.5 million osteoporotic fractures each year that result in 2.6 million visits to the doctor’s office, 800,000 emergency room visits, and 500,000 hospitalizations. In 2002, the direct medical costs for osteoporosis-related fractures totaled nearly $18 billion in the U.S. The good news is that osteoporosis can be treated and bone loss can be reversed. Ms. Dehn Talks about: Basic facts about osteoporosis and the essentials for maintaining bone health. The importance of weight-bearing exercise and recommended physical activities (Surgeon Gen. Report) Essential nutrients needed in the diet and the foods that contain them A step-by-step plan for building stronger bones, including taking a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test Tips for speaking to a healthcare provider about your risk for osteoporosis and what to do if you have it?