FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Molly Carey
molly@nof.org
(202) 721-6341
National Osteoporosis Foundation Educates Families of Members of Congress on Osteoporosis and Bone Health
Families to bring messages of osteoporosis prevention and bone health back to community
Washington, DC (September 23, 2008) — In addition to the leadership role that Members of Congress have, their families, in particular their spouses, often take important leadership roles in their communities, as well. To help NOF bring its messages of osteoporosis prevention and bone health awareness to our nation’s communities, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is hosting a luncheon for these important leaders at The Sewall Belmont House on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 from 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Today, 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 34 million are at risk for the disease. With a nation of baby boomers approaching age 65, osteoporosis and related issues such as quality of life and long-term health are a growing concern. While osteoporosis is highly preventable and treatable, it continues to be under recognized, under diagnosed and under managed.
“The families of our Members of Congress are important representatives to the communities throughout our country and we need them to carry the message back to their constituents about the importance of osteoporosis prevention and bone health,” said Ethel Siris, M.D., immediate past president of NOF. “We know that one in two women and one in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, but many of these serious and costly fractures can be prevented with increased awareness and simple steps people can take to care for their bones.”
The event will draw more than 100 guests, including spouses of Members of Congress, senior military, political leaders and senior women leaders in the social, cultural, public policy and philanthropic communities of Washington, D.C., to share information on bone health and osteoporosis and how individuals can fight the disease.
Attendees will hear about the latest in science and research from Dr. Siris; a personal story from Janet Hubert, an actress and osteoporosis patient; and information about patient care from Rear Admiral John Eisold, M.D., attending physician of the U.S. Congress. Susan Dentzer, editor-in-chief of Health Affairs, will join the discussion as the moderator.
NOF thanks Mrs. Barbara Levin, Mrs. Jeanne Warner, Mrs. Helen Green, Mrs. Sandie Knollenberg and Mrs. Sheila Casey for co-chairing this event.
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Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. Its mission is to prevent osteoporosis and related fractures, to promote lifelong bone health, to help improve the lives of those affected by osteoporosis, and to find a cure through programs of awareness, advocacy, public and health professional education and research. For more information on osteoporosis and bone health, contact NOF online at www.nof.org or by telephone (800) 231-4222.
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