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First-Ever Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis

By Dr. Cherry

In March of 2002, President Bush proclaimed the years 2002 to 2011 the

National Bone and Joint Decade, recognizing the importance of musculoskeletal

health for all people - from childhood to adulthood. Now U.S. Surgeon General

Vice Admiral H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, has released " Bone Health

and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General " in order to address this

often-overlooked aspect of health. And according to Health and Human Services

Secretary Tommy , " it is a starting point for even more concentrated

national action to understand, prevent, diagnose and treat bone diseases. "

Secretary goes on to state, " The risk associated with poor bone

health are high. Over 10 million Americans over the age of 50 have osteoporosis

and another 34 million are at risk of developing the disease. By 2020, half

of all U.S. citizens over 50 will be at risk for fractures from osteoporosis

and low bone mass if no immediate action is taken by individuals at risk,

health care professionals, health systems and policymakers... With healthy

nutrition, physical activity every day, and regular medical checkups and

screenings, Americans of all ages can have strong bones and live longer,

healthier

lives. "

In summary, the report encourages us to spread three simple recommendations

about bone health:

1. Get 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

primarily in fortified foods like milk. For individuals who are not getting

enough

calcium and vitamin D in their diet, supplements may be helpful. The average

adult under age 50 needs about 1000 milligrams of calcium per day and 200

International Units of Vitamin D (although a growing number of nutrition

experts now recommend at least 600 to 1000 IU daily of vitamin D).

2. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active. That means at least

30 minutes a day for adults and 60 minutes a day for children.

3. Take steps to minimize the risk of falls by removing items that might

cause tripping, improving lighting and getting regular exercise to improve

balance and coordination.

For more information about the Surgeon's General report on bone health and

osteoporosis, go to www.surgeongeneral.gov. You may also order a " People's

Piece " (a 'plain-language guide' to help people understand what the report says

and what it means to them) from the Web site or by calling toll-free

1-866-718-BONE.