NEWS RELEASE
Apr 28, 2000

Engler Declares May Osteoporosis Awareness Month

 

Governor John Engler has declared the month of May as Osteoporosis Awareness Month in Michigan to increase the awareness about the risks of osteoporosis and encourage steps to achieve and maintain bone health.

"Osteoporosis is often called the silent thief,' because it progresses without symptoms or pain until a bone fracture occurs," said Engler. "Osteoporosis is not just a disease that affects elderly women, it will affect about one in three state residents during their lifetime. It is a devastating disorder that can result in chronic pain and disability and can rob people of their independence."

The most prominent burden of osteoporosis is hip and spine fractures with one in two women and one in eight men over age 50 expected to have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. The annual cost to Michigan's health care system for osteoporosis-related care is expected to rise from $172 million in 1995 to $569 million in 2015.

"Maintaining optimal bone health is a lifelong process for men and women that begins in childhood," said Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr. "Bone mass attained during childhood is perhaps the most important factor in life-long skeletal health and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and regular physical activity strengthen bone mass. At middle age, adults must be pro-active to prevent excessive bone loss which can deprive them of an active life in retirement."

The Michigan Department of Community Health, and the Michigan Consortium for Osteoporosis and its partners, through the Michigan Osteoporosis Strategic Plan are working to implement osteoporosis awareness, education, detection, prevention and treatment initiatives to help combat this serious public health problem.