Cd ON t NO. 1550 dt r it PAI OStEOpOrOSiS A rEpOrt The ......New Osteoporosis Awareness and...
Transcript of Cd ON t NO. 1550 dt r it PAI OStEOpOrOSiS A rEpOrt The ......New Osteoporosis Awareness and...
lthough osteoporosis is a
hereditary disease that a
mother’s may pass on to
a daughter, a mother also can give
her daughter the strength she needs
to lower her risk. It begins with a
conversation that helps a daughter
build a strong body, discover her bone
health needs and learn how a healthy
diet and exercise can help prevent the
disease.
On Monday, September 26 from
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., NOF will
host its fourth A Gift from Mothers
to Daughters® luncheon at The
Pierre Hotel in New York City. Program
activities include the launch of our
Generations of Strength: Mothers and
Daughters campaign, a networking
reception, silent auction and a
Judith Ripka shopping boutique with
proceeds benefitting NOF. We are
delighted to announce that Lisa Oz of
HealthCorps® and Oprah and Friends
XM Radio telecast and Freda Lewis-
Hall, M.D. of Pfizer and the Patient-
Centered Outcomes Research Institute
(PCORI) are confirmed honorees.
Of course with up to one in four men
affected by osteoporosis, they are
encouraged to attend the luncheon
too! Men older than 50 are more likely
to break a bone due to osteoporosis
than they are to get prostate cancer.
A Gift from Mothers to Daughters®
encourages families to talk about their
health history and celebrates giving
those you love the strength they need
to lower their risk.
To get involved or purchase tickets,
please call 1 (800) 231-4222 or visit
www.nof.org/gift. And stay tuned this
fall for more information about NOF’s
Generations of Strength: Mothers and
Daughters campaign activities!
in the N E W S N O F events
Meet NOF Supporter and Grassroots Volunter Elaine Caflisch
n X-ray technician by training, Elaine Caflisch runs DXA scanning for an osteoporosis medical practice in Western New York. Looking for
additional ways to help, Elaine called NOF to inquire about starting a support group in her area. As a result, she has been sought out by other health and women’s groups to make presentations. Her NOF support group organizes activities like riverfront walks, walks at nursing homes, swimming pool exercises at a community pool and talks by health experts including sessions led by a physical therapist, neurosurgeon, massage therapist and nutritionist.
Elaine has low bone mass and she wishes she had known the information about osteoporosis prevention that she knows now long ago, such as wearing cushioned walking shoes with strong arch supports, especially for walking programs in a mall where the floors are hard; taking
August 2011
Volume 26 Number 3 A
A A NEWSlEttEr FrOm thE NAtiONAl OStEOpOrOSiS FOuNdAtiON
OStEOpOrOSiS rEpOrt
The
In thIs Issue
in the News | NOF Events | Ask the Expert Strategies for Osteoporosis | Supporter Story
In t
hIs
Issu
e
In th
e N
ews
| N
OF
Eve
nts
| A
sk th
e E
xper
t |
Stra
tegi
es fo
r Ost
eopo
rosi
s |
Sup
porte
r Sto
ry
AwAreness educAtIon AdvocAcy reseArch
continued inside
NO
Np
rO
Fit
Or
Gu
.S. p
OS
tAG
E
PAId
pE
rm
it N
O. 1
550
WA
Sh
iNG
tON
dC
The
Ost
eopo
rosis
Rep
ort i
s a p
ublic
atio
n of
the
Nat
iona
l Ost
eopo
rosis
Fou
ndat
ion,
a
501(
c)(3
) org
aniz
atio
n. ©
201
1 N
atio
nal O
steo
poro
sis F
ound
atio
n.
A Gift from Mothers to Daughters Luncheon
The Pierre Hotel • New York City • Sept. 26, 2011
1150
17t
h S
treet
NW
, Sui
te 8
50W
ashi
ngto
n, d
C 2
0036
(800
) 231
-422
2w
ww
.nof
.org
rE
SO
ur
CE
S
www.nof.orgHea
lthy
Bone
s, Bu
ild Th
em fo
r Life
® Fal
l Web
inar
Ser
ies
Title
: Saf
e Pila
tes a
nd Y
oga
for B
one H
ealth
D
ate:
Oct
ober
20,
201
1 - W
orld
Ost
eopo
rosi
s D
ay
Tim
e: 2
:00
– 3:
15 P
M E
ST
Title
: Bal
anci
ng th
e Ben
efits
and
Ris
ks o
f Ost
eopo
rosi
s Tre
atm
ent
Dat
e: D
ecem
ber 6
, 201
1 Ti
me:
1:0
0 –
2:00
PM
ES
T
To le
arn
mor
e an
d to
regi
ster
for t
hese
free
edu
catio
nal p
rogr
ams,
vis
it w
ww
.nof
.org
/web
inar
s or
cal
l 1 (8
66)
702
-327
8.
A
What Your Wrinkles May Say About Your Bones
recent study led by Yale School of Medicine researcher Lubna Pal,
M.D. suggests a possible correlation between skin wrinkles and bone density. Preliminary findings presented at the 2011 annual meeting of The Endocrine Society in June, suggest that skin wrinkles may one day be able to help identify women who are more likely to break a bone. In this study of 114 women in their late 40’s and early 50’s, individuals with fewer wrinkles tended to have greater bone density in the hip, spine and other bones.
What is the possible relationship between skin wrinkles and bone density? To begin, collagen is found in our skin and bones and as we age our bodies lose collagen. Along with this decrease in collagen, many people
experience an increase in skin wrinkles and a decrease in bone density. As bone density decreases, people are more likely to develop osteoporosis and broken bones.
Before you panic that your less-than-youthful skin is an indicator of osteoporosis, keep in mind that this study is the start of a potential association that requires more extensive research before any conclusions can be drawn.
In an effort to present interesting and newsworthy bone health topics to the public, Dr. Pal will present her findings at NOF’s Pearls of Strength® Lecture this November in Washington, DC. This is the first lecture in a nationwide series. More information will be available in the
coming weeks at www.nof.org.
New Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Online ToolkitIn May, NOF launched its Osteoporosis
Awareness and Prevention Online Toolkit with
posters, facts sheets, bookmarks and other
items you can download and use throughout the
year to increase awareness of osteoporosis and
bone health among patients, friends, family and
community members. To view and download the
toolkit items, visit www.nof.org/toolkit.
O N l i N E tO O l k i t
STARTCONVERSATION
A
BONE HEALTHOSTEOPOROSIS
ABOUT
WITH SOMEONE
AND
YOU LOVE
UNDERSTAND YOUR RISK FACTORS.
TALK WITH YOUR HEALTHCAREPROVIDER ABOUT HAVING A BONE DENSITY TEST.
STRIVE TO GET ENOUGH CALCIUM, VITAMIN D AND BONE HEALTHY EXERCISE DAILY.
YOUR SOURCE OF STRENGTHWWW.NOF.ORG/TOOLKIT
Vitamin D which she says “changed her life”; and the latest medical treatments being offered.
Elaine works in a caring environment that allows her to take extra time to share her knowledge about osteoporosis with patients who come for DXA scans. By telling her story and inviting people to attend support group meetings, Elaine provides a valuable service, links NOF to her community and simultaneously feels a strong personal connection to NOF. She said, “NOF has been such a great resource and is so valuable to me and my support group.”
Elaine also supports NOF in a unique way by using her considerable artistic talent to create the beautiful floral artwork that adorns hundreds of items that are available for purchase at www.cafepress.com/shopnof.
We salute friends like Elaine Caflisch who are working at the local level as NOF’s ambassadors across America. We salute Elaine and hope her story will encourage you to become proactive in the fight against osteoporosis and to learn more about building strong bones for life. If you would like to learn about or start a support group in your area, we are here to help and to answer your questions. Give us a call at 1 (800) 231-4222.
Meet NOF Supporter and Grassroots Volunter Elaine Caflisch (continued)
Osteoporosis and Bone Health Bills Introduced in Congress
strategies for O S t E O p O r O S i Sask the E x p E rt
This issue’s expert is Carly Hamburger, Licensed Massage Therapist, Masters of Public Health Candidate and NOF Practicum Student.
I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Is it safe to have a massage?
If performed safely, massage therapy can offer
relief and improve the quality of life for people who suffer from osteoporosis or those at risk of breaking a bone. Here are some tips to follow:
• Look for a therapist who specializes in geriatric massage. He or she may have more experience treating individuals with osteoporosis. To find a licensed provider, call the American Massage Therapy Association at 1 (888) 843-2682 or visit www.amtamassage.org
• Request a Swedish or relaxation massage. Swedish massages involve light, long strokes and gentle kneading to improve circulation and encourage relaxation. You should only receive gentle pressure, especially on the back.
• When you book an appointment, mention that you have osteoporosis or that you are at risk of fracture. Tell your massage therapist as many details as you can about your health. Let him or her know immediately if the massage is ever uncomfortable or painful.
• If your healthcare provider says it’s safe, gentle massage may help relieve pain after a fracture. Always wait until the fracture has completely healed before having a massage.
• Massage can relax you so much that you may become disoriented. Avoid falling after a massage by having the therapist hand you your glasses,
sitting up slowly and asking for help getting off the table.
from the C O v E r
In May, NOF hosted more than 700 attendees at its annual
International Symposium on Osteoporosis (ISO), Silhouette
Awards Dinner and first-ever Healthy Bones, Build Them for
Life® Consumer and Patient Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada.
These events engage the public, patients and healthcare
professionals in our fight against osteoporosis. Photos can
be viewed at www.nof.org/awardsdinner2011.
ccess to state education and awareness programs on osteoporosis is declining and
patient access to needed osteoporosis testing is at risk. Members of Congress recently introduced bills to address these problems and help improve the lives of osteoporosis patients and those at risk for the disease.
Only 11 states – AR, IL, MA, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, UT, WA, WV – have recently funded education and awareness programs on osteoporosis. If you live in any of the other 39 states, you may not have access to an osteoporosis education and awareness program. Additionally, many states are facing tight budgets and the few with osteoporosis programs may be forced to cut or abolish them.
In May, Senator Gillibrand introduced the “Bone Health Promotion and Research Act of 2011” (S. 966) to help ensure access to bone health education and awareness programs. This bill would give the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authority to create a National Bone Health Program. It also would allow for the expansion of bone health research, including osteoporosis, at the National Institutes of Health, which could lead to better treatments to improve the quality of life of osteoporosis patients.
Currently, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) tests, the standard for osteoporosis screening, are also used to monitor the treatment of osteoporosis patients. Although DXA tests are eligible for coverage under
the Medicare program, patient access to DXA tests may be in jeopardy. The Medicare reimbursement rate for DXA tests performed in physician offices is scheduled to be cut by 62 percent by 2013. Because many physicians may be unable to afford to offer DXA tests to patients if these drastic Medicare reimbursement are carried out, you may not be able to find a physician near you to perform a DXA test, even if you are elegible and need the test. Some patients may have to travel long distances and, because of the transportation burden, some may be forced to skip needed DXA tests.
The “Preservation of Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2011” (S. 1096/H.R. 2020) recently was introduced in Congress by Senators Stabenow and Snowe and Representatives Burgess and Berkley. This bill would maintain current Medicare reimbursement rates through 2013 to help preserve patient access to needed DXA tests.
At NOF we are continuing to advocate for these two bills and we need your help! Join NOF by contacting your Members of Congress to ask that they support these bills. You can contact NOF at 1 (800) 231-4222, and we will provide you with the phone numbers for your Members of Congress. If you have internet access, you can also visit the NOF Web site and sign-up to become an advocate at www.nof.org/advocacy/becomeanadvocate. Together we can make a difference on these important
issues!
A
featured S u p p O rt E r S tO ry
NOF Nominates Patients to Serve on Research Grant Review Panels
OF has nominated ten individuals to participate in the
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).
NOF nominees bring an invaluable patient perspective to the re-
search grant review process as the panels debate the proposals’ potential for
improved medical care and enhanced quality of life. This is the second time
NOF has been invited to nominate patients to the CDMRP. In 2009, NOF
nominated seven individuals.
For fiscal year 2011, the Department of Defense received an appropriation
from Congress through the CDMRP to fund research across 21 research
topic areas, including osteoporosis and related bone diseases. NOF, as a
leader of the National Coalition for Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases
(Bone Coalition), advocated making osteoporosis and related bone diseases
one of the topic areas.
The number of nominees invited to participate in the CDMRP will depend
in part on the number of osteoporosis research proposals submitted. NOF
nominees for 2011 include Philip Caflisch from New York, Christy Cyphers
from Maryland, Marsha Fixler from New York, Sally Fullman from New Jersey,
Carolyn Grove from Georgia, Faye Hollowell from Tennessee, Dana Kurland
from Arizona, Phyllis Lansing from Maryland, Anne Murphy from Maine and
Susan Ross from Connecticut.
“As a consumer reviewer in the 2009 CDMRP, I read and scored close to 30
research proposals. It was fascinating to see that many scientists are working
hard to understand our bones better and find more effective treatments and a
cure for osteoporosis. I am confident that osteoporosis will be eradicated. It’s
only a matter of time. The scientists and NOF need our support. Through my
support group and by raising awareness of osteoporosis and bone health in
my community, I will continue to do my part. My daughter and granddaughter,
and millions of Americans, are depending on us to succeed.”
- Jennie Image, NOF Advocate and Dallas Support Group Leader
Carly Hamburger
Save the date for next year’s activities in
Orlando, Florida
April 25-28, 2012!
N
lthough osteoporosis is a
hereditary disease that a
mother’s may pass on to
a daughter, a mother also can give
her daughter the strength she needs
to lower her risk. It begins with a
conversation that helps a daughter
build a strong body, discover her bone
health needs and learn how a healthy
diet and exercise can help prevent the
disease.
On Monday, September 26 from
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., NOF will
host its fourth A Gift from Mothers
to Daughters® luncheon at The
Pierre Hotel in New York City. Program
activities include the launch of our
Generations of Strength: Mothers and
Daughters campaign, a networking
reception, silent auction and a
Judith Ripka shopping boutique with
proceeds benefitting NOF. We are
delighted to announce that Lisa Oz of
HealthCorps® and Oprah and Friends
XM Radio telecast and Freda Lewis-
Hall, M.D. of Pfizer and the Patient-
Centered Outcomes Research Institute
(PCORI) are confirmed honorees.
Of course with up to one in four men
affected by osteoporosis, they are
encouraged to attend the luncheon
too! Men older than 50 are more likely
to break a bone due to osteoporosis
than they are to get prostate cancer.
A Gift from Mothers to Daughters®
encourages families to talk about their
health history and celebrates giving
those you love the strength they need
to lower their risk.
To get involved or purchase tickets,
please call 1 (800) 231-4222 or visit
www.nof.org/gift. And stay tuned this
fall for more information about NOF’s
Generations of Strength: Mothers and
Daughters campaign activities!
in the N E W S N O F events
Meet NOF Supporter and Grassroots Volunter Elaine Caflisch
n X-ray technician by training, Elaine Caflisch runs DXA scanning for an osteoporosis medical practice in Western New York. Looking for
additional ways to help, Elaine called NOF to inquire about starting a support group in her area. As a result, she has been sought out by other health and women’s groups to make presentations. Her NOF support group organizes activities like riverfront walks, walks at nursing homes, swimming pool exercises at a community pool and talks by health experts including sessions led by a physical therapist, neurosurgeon, massage therapist and nutritionist.
Elaine has low bone mass and she wishes she had known the information about osteoporosis prevention that she knows now long ago, such as wearing cushioned walking shoes with strong arch supports, especially for walking programs in a mall where the floors are hard; taking
August 2011
Volume 26 Number 3 A
A A NEWSlEttEr FrOm thE NAtiONAl OStEOpOrOSiS FOuNdAtiON
OStEOpOrOSiS rEpOrt
The
In thIs Issue
in the News | NOF Events | Ask the Expert Strategies for Osteoporosis | Supporter Story
In t
hIs
Issu
e
In th
e N
ews
| N
OF
Eve
nts
| A
sk th
e E
xper
t |
Stra
tegi
es fo
r Ost
eopo
rosi
s |
Sup
porte
r Sto
ry
AwAreness educAtIon AdvocAcy reseArch
continued inside
NO
Np
rO
Fit
Or
Gu
.S. p
OS
tAG
E
PAId
pE
rm
it N
O. 1
550
WA
Sh
iNG
tON
dC
The
Ost
eopo
rosis
Rep
ort i
s a p
ublic
atio
n of
the
Nat
iona
l Ost
eopo
rosis
Fou
ndat
ion,
a
501(
c)(3
) org
aniz
atio
n. ©
201
1 N
atio
nal O
steo
poro
sis F
ound
atio
n.
A Gift from Mothers to Daughters Luncheon
The Pierre Hotel • New York City • Sept. 26, 2011
1150
17t
h S
treet
NW
, Sui
te 8
50W
ashi
ngto
n, d
C 2
0036
(800
) 231
-422
2w
ww
.nof
.org
rE
SO
ur
CE
S
www.nof.orgHea
lthy
Bone
s, Bu
ild Th
em fo
r Life
® Fal
l Web
inar
Ser
ies
Title
: Saf
e Pila
tes a
nd Y
oga
for B
one H
ealth
D
ate:
Oct
ober
20,
201
1 - W
orld
Ost
eopo
rosi
s D
ay
Tim
e: 2
:00
– 3:
15 P
M E
ST
Title
: Bal
anci
ng th
e Ben
efits
and
Ris
ks o
f Ost
eopo
rosi
s Tre
atm
ent
Dat
e: D
ecem
ber 6
, 201
1 Ti
me:
1:0
0 –
2:00
PM
ES
T
To le
arn
mor
e an
d to
regi
ster
for t
hese
free
edu
catio
nal p
rogr
ams,
vis
it w
ww
.nof
.org
/web
inar
s or
cal
l 1 (8
66)
702
-327
8.
A
What Your Wrinkles May Say About Your Bones
recent study led by Yale School of Medicine researcher Lubna Pal,
M.D. suggests a possible correlation between skin wrinkles and bone density. Preliminary findings presented at the 2011 annual meeting of The Endocrine Society in June, suggest that skin wrinkles may one day be able to help identify women who are more likely to break a bone. In this study of 114 women in their late 40’s and early 50’s, individuals with fewer wrinkles tended to have greater bone density in the hip, spine and other bones.
What is the possible relationship between skin wrinkles and bone density? To begin, collagen is found in our skin and bones and as we age our bodies lose collagen. Along with this decrease in collagen, many people
experience an increase in skin wrinkles and a decrease in bone density. As bone density decreases, people are more likely to develop osteoporosis and broken bones.
Before you panic that your less-than-youthful skin is an indicator of osteoporosis, keep in mind that this study is the start of a potential association that requires more extensive research before any conclusions can be drawn.
In an effort to present interesting and newsworthy bone health topics to the public, Dr. Pal will present her findings at NOF’s Pearls of Strength® Lecture this November in Washington, DC. This is the first lecture in a nationwide series. More information will be available in the
coming weeks at www.nof.org.
New Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Online ToolkitIn May, NOF launched its Osteoporosis
Awareness and Prevention Online Toolkit with
posters, facts sheets, bookmarks and other
items you can download and use throughout the
year to increase awareness of osteoporosis and
bone health among patients, friends, family and
community members. To view and download the
toolkit items, visit www.nof.org/toolkit.
O N l i N E tO O l k i t
STARTCONVERSATION
A
BONE HEALTHOSTEOPOROSIS
ABOUT
WITH SOMEONE
AND
YOU LOVE
UNDERSTAND YOUR RISK FACTORS.
TALK WITH YOUR HEALTHCAREPROVIDER ABOUT HAVING A BONE DENSITY TEST.
STRIVE TO GET ENOUGH CALCIUM, VITAMIN D AND BONE HEALTHY EXERCISE DAILY.
YOUR SOURCE OF STRENGTHWWW.NOF.ORG/TOOLKIT
lthough osteoporosis is a
hereditary disease that a
mother’s may pass on to
a daughter, a mother also can give
her daughter the strength she needs
to lower her risk. It begins with a
conversation that helps a daughter
build a strong body, discover her bone
health needs and learn how a healthy
diet and exercise can help prevent the
disease.
On Monday, September 26 from
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., NOF will
host its fourth A Gift from Mothers
to Daughters® luncheon at The
Pierre Hotel in New York City. Program
activities include the launch of our
Generations of Strength: Mothers and
Daughters campaign, a networking
reception, silent auction and a
Judith Ripka shopping boutique with
proceeds benefitting NOF. We are
delighted to announce that Lisa Oz of
HealthCorps® and Oprah and Friends
XM Radio telecast and Freda Lewis-
Hall, M.D. of Pfizer and the Patient-
Centered Outcomes Research Institute
(PCORI) are confirmed honorees.
Of course with up to one in four men
affected by osteoporosis, they are
encouraged to attend the luncheon
too! Men older than 50 are more likely
to break a bone due to osteoporosis
than they are to get prostate cancer.
A Gift from Mothers to Daughters®
encourages families to talk about their
health history and celebrates giving
those you love the strength they need
to lower their risk.
To get involved or purchase tickets,
please call 1 (800) 231-4222 or visit
www.nof.org/gift. And stay tuned this
fall for more information about NOF’s
Generations of Strength: Mothers and
Daughters campaign activities!
in the N E W S N O F events
Meet NOF Supporter and Grassroots Volunter Elaine Caflisch
n X-ray technician by training, Elaine Caflisch runs DXA scanning for an osteoporosis medical practice in Western New York. Looking for
additional ways to help, Elaine called NOF to inquire about starting a support group in her area. As a result, she has been sought out by other health and women’s groups to make presentations. Her NOF support group organizes activities like riverfront walks, walks at nursing homes, swimming pool exercises at a community pool and talks by health experts including sessions led by a physical therapist, neurosurgeon, massage therapist and nutritionist.
Elaine has low bone mass and she wishes she had known the information about osteoporosis prevention that she knows now long ago, such as wearing cushioned walking shoes with strong arch supports, especially for walking programs in a mall where the floors are hard; taking
August 2011
Volume 26 Number 3 A
A A NEWSlEttEr FrOm thE NAtiONAl OStEOpOrOSiS FOuNdAtiON
OStEOpOrOSiS rEpOrt
The
In thIs Issue
in the News | NOF Events | Ask the Expert Strategies for Osteoporosis | Supporter Story
In t
hIs
Issu
e
In th
e N
ews
| N
OF
Eve
nts
| A
sk th
e E
xper
t |
Stra
tegi
es fo
r Ost
eopo
rosi
s |
Sup
porte
r Sto
ry
AwAreness educAtIon AdvocAcy reseArch
continued insideN
ON
pr
OFi
t O
rG
u.S
. pO
StA
GE
PAId
pE
rm
it N
O. 1
550
WA
Sh
iNG
tON
dC
The
Ost
eopo
rosis
Rep
ort i
s a p
ublic
atio
n of
the
Nat
iona
l Ost
eopo
rosis
Fou
ndat
ion,
a
501(
c)(3
) org
aniz
atio
n. ©
201
1 N
atio
nal O
steo
poro
sis F
ound
atio
n.
A Gift from Mothers to Daughters Luncheon
The Pierre Hotel • New York City • Sept. 26, 2011
1150
17t
h S
treet
NW
, Sui
te 8
50W
ashi
ngto
n, d
C 2
0036
(800
) 231
-422
2w
ww
.nof
.org
rE
SO
ur
CE
S
www.nof.orgHea
lthy
Bone
s, Bu
ild Th
em fo
r Life
® Fal
l Web
inar
Ser
ies
Title
: Saf
e Pila
tes a
nd Y
oga
for B
one H
ealth
D
ate:
Oct
ober
20,
201
1 - W
orld
Ost
eopo
rosi
s D
ay
Tim
e: 2
:00
– 3:
15 P
M E
ST
Title
: Bal
anci
ng th
e Ben
efits
and
Ris
ks o
f Ost
eopo
rosi
s Tre
atm
ent
Dat
e: D
ecem
ber 6
, 201
1 Ti
me:
1:0
0 –
2:00
PM
ES
T
To le
arn
mor
e an
d to
regi
ster
for t
hese
free
edu
catio
nal p
rogr
ams,
vis
it w
ww
.nof
.org
/web
inar
s or
cal
l 1 (8
66)
702
-327
8.
A
What Your Wrinkles May Say About Your Bones
recent study led by Yale School of Medicine researcher Lubna Pal,
M.D. suggests a possible correlation between skin wrinkles and bone density. Preliminary findings presented at the 2011 annual meeting of The Endocrine Society in June, suggest that skin wrinkles may one day be able to help identify women who are more likely to break a bone. In this study of 114 women in their late 40’s and early 50’s, individuals with fewer wrinkles tended to have greater bone density in the hip, spine and other bones.
What is the possible relationship between skin wrinkles and bone density? To begin, collagen is found in our skin and bones and as we age our bodies lose collagen. Along with this decrease in collagen, many people
experience an increase in skin wrinkles and a decrease in bone density. As bone density decreases, people are more likely to develop osteoporosis and broken bones.
Before you panic that your less-than-youthful skin is an indicator of osteoporosis, keep in mind that this study is the start of a potential association that requires more extensive research before any conclusions can be drawn.
In an effort to present interesting and newsworthy bone health topics to the public, Dr. Pal will present her findings at NOF’s Pearls of Strength® Lecture this November in Washington, DC. This is the first lecture in a nationwide series. More information will be available in the
coming weeks at www.nof.org.
New Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Online ToolkitIn May, NOF launched its Osteoporosis
Awareness and Prevention Online Toolkit with
posters, facts sheets, bookmarks and other
items you can download and use throughout the
year to increase awareness of osteoporosis and
bone health among patients, friends, family and
community members. To view and download the
toolkit items, visit www.nof.org/toolkit.
O N l i N E tO O l k i t
STARTCONVERSATION
A
BONE HEALTHOSTEOPOROSIS
ABOUT
WITH SOMEONE
AND
YOU LOVE
UNDERSTAND YOUR RISK FACTORS.
TALK WITH YOUR HEALTHCAREPROVIDER ABOUT HAVING A BONE DENSITY TEST.
STRIVE TO GET ENOUGH CALCIUM, VITAMIN D AND BONE HEALTHY EXERCISE DAILY.
YOUR SOURCE OF STRENGTHWWW.NOF.ORG/TOOLKIT
Vitamin D which she says “changed her life”; and the latest medical treatments being offered.
Elaine works in a caring environment that allows her to take extra time to share her knowledge about osteoporosis with patients who come for DXA scans. By telling her story and inviting people to attend support group meetings, Elaine provides a valuable service, links NOF to her community and simultaneously feels a strong personal connection to NOF. She said, “NOF has been such a great resource and is so valuable to me and my support group.”
Elaine also supports NOF in a unique way by using her considerable artistic talent to create the beautiful floral artwork that adorns hundreds of items that are available for purchase at www.cafepress.com/shopnof.
We salute friends like Elaine Caflisch who are working at the local level as NOF’s ambassadors across America. We salute Elaine and hope her story will encourage you to become proactive in the fight against osteoporosis and to learn more about building strong bones for life. If you would like to learn about or start a support group in your area, we are here to help and to answer your questions. Give us a call at 1 (800) 231-4222.
Meet NOF Supporter and Grassroots Volunter Elaine Caflisch (continued)
Osteoporosis and Bone Health Bills Introduced in Congress
strategies for O S t E O p O r O S i Sask the E x p E rt
This issue’s expert is Carly Hamburger, Licensed Massage Therapist, Masters of Public Health Candidate and NOF Practicum Student.
I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Is it safe to have a massage?
If performed safely, massage therapy can offer
relief and improve the quality of life for people who suffer from osteoporosis or those at risk of breaking a bone. Here are some tips to follow:
• Look for a therapist who specializes in geriatric massage. He or she may have more experience treating individuals with osteoporosis. To find a licensed provider, call the American Massage Therapy Association at 1 (888) 843-2682 or visit www.amtamassage.org
• Request a Swedish or relaxation massage. Swedish massages involve light, long strokes and gentle kneading to improve circulation and encourage relaxation. You should only receive gentle pressure, especially on the back.
• When you book an appointment, mention that you have osteoporosis or that you are at risk of fracture. Tell your massage therapist as many details as you can about your health. Let him or her know immediately if the massage is ever uncomfortable or painful.
• If your healthcare provider says it’s safe, gentle massage may help relieve pain after a fracture. Always wait until the fracture has completely healed before having a massage.
• Massage can relax you so much that you may become disoriented. Avoid falling after a massage by having the therapist hand you your glasses,
sitting up slowly and asking for help getting off the table.
from the C O v E r
In May, NOF hosted more than 700 attendees at its annual
International Symposium on Osteoporosis (ISO), Silhouette
Awards Dinner and first-ever Healthy Bones, Build Them for
Life® Consumer and Patient Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada.
These events engage the public, patients and healthcare
professionals in our fight against osteoporosis. Photos can
be viewed at www.nof.org/awardsdinner2011.
ccess to state education and awareness programs on osteoporosis is declining and
patient access to needed osteoporosis testing is at risk. Members of Congress recently introduced bills to address these problems and help improve the lives of osteoporosis patients and those at risk for the disease.
Only 11 states – AR, IL, MA, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, UT, WA, WV – have recently funded education and awareness programs on osteoporosis. If you live in any of the other 39 states, you may not have access to an osteoporosis education and awareness program. Additionally, many states are facing tight budgets and the few with osteoporosis programs may be forced to cut or abolish them.
In May, Senator Gillibrand introduced the “Bone Health Promotion and Research Act of 2011” (S. 966) to help ensure access to bone health education and awareness programs. This bill would give the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authority to create a National Bone Health Program. It also would allow for the expansion of bone health research, including osteoporosis, at the National Institutes of Health, which could lead to better treatments to improve the quality of life of osteoporosis patients.
Currently, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) tests, the standard for osteoporosis screening, are also used to monitor the treatment of osteoporosis patients. Although DXA tests are eligible for coverage under
the Medicare program, patient access to DXA tests may be in jeopardy. The Medicare reimbursement rate for DXA tests performed in physician offices is scheduled to be cut by 62 percent by 2013. Because many physicians may be unable to afford to offer DXA tests to patients if these drastic Medicare reimbursement are carried out, you may not be able to find a physician near you to perform a DXA test, even if you are elegible and need the test. Some patients may have to travel long distances and, because of the transportation burden, some may be forced to skip needed DXA tests.
The “Preservation of Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2011” (S. 1096/H.R. 2020) recently was introduced in Congress by Senators Stabenow and Snowe and Representatives Burgess and Berkley. This bill would maintain current Medicare reimbursement rates through 2013 to help preserve patient access to needed DXA tests.
At NOF we are continuing to advocate for these two bills and we need your help! Join NOF by contacting your Members of Congress to ask that they support these bills. You can contact NOF at 1 (800) 231-4222, and we will provide you with the phone numbers for your Members of Congress. If you have internet access, you can also visit the NOF Web site and sign-up to become an advocate at www.nof.org/advocacy/becomeanadvocate. Together we can make a difference on these important
issues!
A
featured S u p p O rt E r S tO ry
NOF Nominates Patients to Serve on Research Grant Review Panels
OF has nominated ten individuals to participate in the
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).
NOF nominees bring an invaluable patient perspective to the re-
search grant review process as the panels debate the proposals’ potential for
improved medical care and enhanced quality of life. This is the second time
NOF has been invited to nominate patients to the CDMRP. In 2009, NOF
nominated seven individuals.
For fiscal year 2011, the Department of Defense received an appropriation
from Congress through the CDMRP to fund research across 21 research
topic areas, including osteoporosis and related bone diseases. NOF, as a
leader of the National Coalition for Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases
(Bone Coalition), advocated making osteoporosis and related bone diseases
one of the topic areas.
The number of nominees invited to participate in the CDMRP will depend
in part on the number of osteoporosis research proposals submitted. NOF
nominees for 2011 include Philip Caflisch from New York, Christy Cyphers
from Maryland, Marsha Fixler from New York, Sally Fullman from New Jersey,
Carolyn Grove from Georgia, Faye Hollowell from Tennessee, Dana Kurland
from Arizona, Phyllis Lansing from Maryland, Anne Murphy from Maine and
Susan Ross from Connecticut.
“As a consumer reviewer in the 2009 CDMRP, I read and scored close to 30
research proposals. It was fascinating to see that many scientists are working
hard to understand our bones better and find more effective treatments and a
cure for osteoporosis. I am confident that osteoporosis will be eradicated. It’s
only a matter of time. The scientists and NOF need our support. Through my
support group and by raising awareness of osteoporosis and bone health in
my community, I will continue to do my part. My daughter and granddaughter,
and millions of Americans, are depending on us to succeed.”
- Jennie Image, NOF Advocate and Dallas Support Group Leader
Carly Hamburger
Save the date for next year’s activities in
Orlando, Florida
April 25-28, 2012!
N
Vitamin D which she says “changed her life”; and the latest medical treatments being offered.
Elaine works in a caring environment that allows her to take extra time to share her knowledge about osteoporosis with patients who come for DXA scans. By telling her story and inviting people to attend support group meetings, Elaine provides a valuable service, links NOF to her community and simultaneously feels a strong personal connection to NOF. She said, “NOF has been such a great resource and is so valuable to me and my support group.”
Elaine also supports NOF in a unique way by using her considerable artistic talent to create the beautiful floral artwork that adorns hundreds of items that are available for purchase at www.cafepress.com/shopnof.
We salute friends like Elaine Caflisch who are working at the local level as NOF’s ambassadors across America. We salute Elaine and hope her story will encourage you to become proactive in the fight against osteoporosis and to learn more about building strong bones for life. If you would like to learn about or start a support group in your area, we are here to help and to answer your questions. Give us a call at 1 (800) 231-4222.
Meet NOF Supporter and Grassroots Volunter Elaine Caflisch (continued)
Osteoporosis and Bone Health Bills Introduced in Congress
strategies for O S t E O p O r O S i Sask the E x p E rt
This issue’s expert is Carly Hamburger, Licensed Massage Therapist, Masters of Public Health Candidate and NOF Practicum Student.
I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Is it safe to have a massage?
If performed safely, massage therapy can offer
relief and improve the quality of life for people who suffer from osteoporosis or those at risk of breaking a bone. Here are some tips to follow:
• Look for a therapist who specializes in geriatric massage. He or she may have more experience treating individuals with osteoporosis. To find a licensed provider, call the American Massage Therapy Association at 1 (888) 843-2682 or visit www.amtamassage.org
• Request a Swedish or relaxation massage. Swedish massages involve light, long strokes and gentle kneading to improve circulation and encourage relaxation. You should only receive gentle pressure, especially on the back.
• When you book an appointment, mention that you have osteoporosis or that you are at risk of fracture. Tell your massage therapist as many details as you can about your health. Let him or her know immediately if the massage is ever uncomfortable or painful.
• If your healthcare provider says it’s safe, gentle massage may help relieve pain after a fracture. Always wait until the fracture has completely healed before having a massage.
• Massage can relax you so much that you may become disoriented. Avoid falling after a massage by having the therapist hand you your glasses,
sitting up slowly and asking for help getting off the table.
from the C O v E r
In May, NOF hosted more than 700 attendees at its annual
International Symposium on Osteoporosis (ISO), Silhouette
Awards Dinner and first-ever Healthy Bones, Build Them for
Life® Consumer and Patient Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada.
These events engage the public, patients and healthcare
professionals in our fight against osteoporosis. Photos can
be viewed at www.nof.org/awardsdinner2011.
ccess to state education and awareness programs on osteoporosis is declining and
patient access to needed osteoporosis testing is at risk. Members of Congress recently introduced bills to address these problems and help improve the lives of osteoporosis patients and those at risk for the disease.
Only 11 states – AR, IL, MA, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, UT, WA, WV – have recently funded education and awareness programs on osteoporosis. If you live in any of the other 39 states, you may not have access to an osteoporosis education and awareness program. Additionally, many states are facing tight budgets and the few with osteoporosis programs may be forced to cut or abolish them.
In May, Senator Gillibrand introduced the “Bone Health Promotion and Research Act of 2011” (S. 966) to help ensure access to bone health education and awareness programs. This bill would give the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authority to create a National Bone Health Program. It also would allow for the expansion of bone health research, including osteoporosis, at the National Institutes of Health, which could lead to better treatments to improve the quality of life of osteoporosis patients.
Currently, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) tests, the standard for osteoporosis screening, are also used to monitor the treatment of osteoporosis patients. Although DXA tests are eligible for coverage under
the Medicare program, patient access to DXA tests may be in jeopardy. The Medicare reimbursement rate for DXA tests performed in physician offices is scheduled to be cut by 62 percent by 2013. Because many physicians may be unable to afford to offer DXA tests to patients if these drastic Medicare reimbursement are carried out, you may not be able to find a physician near you to perform a DXA test, even if you are elegible and need the test. Some patients may have to travel long distances and, because of the transportation burden, some may be forced to skip needed DXA tests.
The “Preservation of Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2011” (S. 1096/H.R. 2020) recently was introduced in Congress by Senators Stabenow and Snowe and Representatives Burgess and Berkley. This bill would maintain current Medicare reimbursement rates through 2013 to help preserve patient access to needed DXA tests.
At NOF we are continuing to advocate for these two bills and we need your help! Join NOF by contacting your Members of Congress to ask that they support these bills. You can contact NOF at 1 (800) 231-4222, and we will provide you with the phone numbers for your Members of Congress. If you have internet access, you can also visit the NOF Web site and sign-up to become an advocate at www.nof.org/advocacy/becomeanadvocate. Together we can make a difference on these important
issues!
A
featured S u p p O rt E r S tO ry
NOF Nominates Patients to Serve on Research Grant Review Panels
OF has nominated ten individuals to participate in the
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).
NOF nominees bring an invaluable patient perspective to the re-
search grant review process as the panels debate the proposals’ potential for
improved medical care and enhanced quality of life. This is the second time
NOF has been invited to nominate patients to the CDMRP. In 2009, NOF
nominated seven individuals.
For fiscal year 2011, the Department of Defense received an appropriation
from Congress through the CDMRP to fund research across 21 research
topic areas, including osteoporosis and related bone diseases. NOF, as a
leader of the National Coalition for Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases
(Bone Coalition), advocated making osteoporosis and related bone diseases
one of the topic areas.
The number of nominees invited to participate in the CDMRP will depend
in part on the number of osteoporosis research proposals submitted. NOF
nominees for 2011 include Philip Caflisch from New York, Christy Cyphers
from Maryland, Marsha Fixler from New York, Sally Fullman from New Jersey,
Carolyn Grove from Georgia, Faye Hollowell from Tennessee, Dana Kurland
from Arizona, Phyllis Lansing from Maryland, Anne Murphy from Maine and
Susan Ross from Connecticut.
“As a consumer reviewer in the 2009 CDMRP, I read and scored close to 30
research proposals. It was fascinating to see that many scientists are working
hard to understand our bones better and find more effective treatments and a
cure for osteoporosis. I am confident that osteoporosis will be eradicated. It’s
only a matter of time. The scientists and NOF need our support. Through my
support group and by raising awareness of osteoporosis and bone health in
my community, I will continue to do my part. My daughter and granddaughter,
and millions of Americans, are depending on us to succeed.”
- Jennie Image, NOF Advocate and Dallas Support Group Leader
Carly Hamburger
Save the date for next year’s activities in
Orlando, Florida
April 25-28, 2012!
N
Vitamin D which she says “changed her life”; and the latest medical treatments being offered.
Elaine works in a caring environment that allows her to take extra time to share her knowledge about osteoporosis with patients who come for DXA scans. By telling her story and inviting people to attend support group meetings, Elaine provides a valuable service, links NOF to her community and simultaneously feels a strong personal connection to NOF. She said, “NOF has been such a great resource and is so valuable to me and my support group.”
Elaine also supports NOF in a unique way by using her considerable artistic talent to create the beautiful floral artwork that adorns hundreds of items that are available for purchase at www.cafepress.com/shopnof.
We salute friends like Elaine Caflisch who are working at the local level as NOF’s ambassadors across America. We salute Elaine and hope her story will encourage you to become proactive in the fight against osteoporosis and to learn more about building strong bones for life. If you would like to learn about or start a support group in your area, we are here to help and to answer your questions. Give us a call at 1 (800) 231-4222.
Meet NOF Supporter and Grassroots Volunter Elaine Caflisch (continued)
Osteoporosis and Bone Health Bills Introduced in Congress
strategies for O S t E O p O r O S i Sask the E x p E rt
This issue’s expert is Carly Hamburger, Licensed Massage Therapist, Masters of Public Health Candidate and NOF Practicum Student.
I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Is it safe to have a massage?
If performed safely, massage therapy can offer
relief and improve the quality of life for people who suffer from osteoporosis or those at risk of breaking a bone. Here are some tips to follow:
• Look for a therapist who specializes in geriatric massage. He or she may have more experience treating individuals with osteoporosis. To find a licensed provider, call the American Massage Therapy Association at 1 (888) 843-2682 or visit www.amtamassage.org
• Request a Swedish or relaxation massage. Swedish massages involve light, long strokes and gentle kneading to improve circulation and encourage relaxation. You should only receive gentle pressure, especially on the back.
• When you book an appointment, mention that you have osteoporosis or that you are at risk of fracture. Tell your massage therapist as many details as you can about your health. Let him or her know immediately if the massage is ever uncomfortable or painful.
• If your healthcare provider says it’s safe, gentle massage may help relieve pain after a fracture. Always wait until the fracture has completely healed before having a massage.
• Massage can relax you so much that you may become disoriented. Avoid falling after a massage by having the therapist hand you your glasses,
sitting up slowly and asking for help getting off the table.
from the C O v E r
In May, NOF hosted more than 700 attendees at its annual
International Symposium on Osteoporosis (ISO), Silhouette
Awards Dinner and first-ever Healthy Bones, Build Them for
Life® Consumer and Patient Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada.
These events engage the public, patients and healthcare
professionals in our fight against osteoporosis. Photos can
be viewed at www.nof.org/awardsdinner2011.
ccess to state education and awareness programs on osteoporosis is declining and
patient access to needed osteoporosis testing is at risk. Members of Congress recently introduced bills to address these problems and help improve the lives of osteoporosis patients and those at risk for the disease.
Only 11 states – AR, IL, MA, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, UT, WA, WV – have recently funded education and awareness programs on osteoporosis. If you live in any of the other 39 states, you may not have access to an osteoporosis education and awareness program. Additionally, many states are facing tight budgets and the few with osteoporosis programs may be forced to cut or abolish them.
In May, Senator Gillibrand introduced the “Bone Health Promotion and Research Act of 2011” (S. 966) to help ensure access to bone health education and awareness programs. This bill would give the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authority to create a National Bone Health Program. It also would allow for the expansion of bone health research, including osteoporosis, at the National Institutes of Health, which could lead to better treatments to improve the quality of life of osteoporosis patients.
Currently, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) tests, the standard for osteoporosis screening, are also used to monitor the treatment of osteoporosis patients. Although DXA tests are eligible for coverage under
the Medicare program, patient access to DXA tests may be in jeopardy. The Medicare reimbursement rate for DXA tests performed in physician offices is scheduled to be cut by 62 percent by 2013. Because many physicians may be unable to afford to offer DXA tests to patients if these drastic Medicare reimbursement are carried out, you may not be able to find a physician near you to perform a DXA test, even if you are elegible and need the test. Some patients may have to travel long distances and, because of the transportation burden, some may be forced to skip needed DXA tests.
The “Preservation of Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2011” (S. 1096/H.R. 2020) recently was introduced in Congress by Senators Stabenow and Snowe and Representatives Burgess and Berkley. This bill would maintain current Medicare reimbursement rates through 2013 to help preserve patient access to needed DXA tests.
At NOF we are continuing to advocate for these two bills and we need your help! Join NOF by contacting your Members of Congress to ask that they support these bills. You can contact NOF at 1 (800) 231-4222, and we will provide you with the phone numbers for your Members of Congress. If you have internet access, you can also visit the NOF Web site and sign-up to become an advocate at www.nof.org/advocacy/becomeanadvocate. Together we can make a difference on these important
issues!
A
featured S u p p O rt E r S tO ry
NOF Nominates Patients to Serve on Research Grant Review Panels
OF has nominated ten individuals to participate in the
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).
NOF nominees bring an invaluable patient perspective to the re-
search grant review process as the panels debate the proposals’ potential for
improved medical care and enhanced quality of life. This is the second time
NOF has been invited to nominate patients to the CDMRP. In 2009, NOF
nominated seven individuals.
For fiscal year 2011, the Department of Defense received an appropriation
from Congress through the CDMRP to fund research across 21 research
topic areas, including osteoporosis and related bone diseases. NOF, as a
leader of the National Coalition for Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases
(Bone Coalition), advocated making osteoporosis and related bone diseases
one of the topic areas.
The number of nominees invited to participate in the CDMRP will depend
in part on the number of osteoporosis research proposals submitted. NOF
nominees for 2011 include Philip Caflisch from New York, Christy Cyphers
from Maryland, Marsha Fixler from New York, Sally Fullman from New Jersey,
Carolyn Grove from Georgia, Faye Hollowell from Tennessee, Dana Kurland
from Arizona, Phyllis Lansing from Maryland, Anne Murphy from Maine and
Susan Ross from Connecticut.
“As a consumer reviewer in the 2009 CDMRP, I read and scored close to 30
research proposals. It was fascinating to see that many scientists are working
hard to understand our bones better and find more effective treatments and a
cure for osteoporosis. I am confident that osteoporosis will be eradicated. It’s
only a matter of time. The scientists and NOF need our support. Through my
support group and by raising awareness of osteoporosis and bone health in
my community, I will continue to do my part. My daughter and granddaughter,
and millions of Americans, are depending on us to succeed.”
- Jennie Image, NOF Advocate and Dallas Support Group Leader
Carly Hamburger
Save the date for next year’s activities in
Orlando, Florida
April 25-28, 2012!
N
Vitamin D which she says “changed her life”; and the latest medical treatments being offered.
Elaine works in a caring environment that allows her to take extra time to share her knowledge about osteoporosis with patients who come for DXA scans. By telling her story and inviting people to attend support group meetings, Elaine provides a valuable service, links NOF to her community and simultaneously feels a strong personal connection to NOF. She said, “NOF has been such a great resource and is so valuable to me and my support group.”
Elaine also supports NOF in a unique way by using her considerable artistic talent to create the beautiful floral artwork that adorns hundreds of items that are available for purchase at www.cafepress.com/shopnof.
We salute friends like Elaine Caflisch who are working at the local level as NOF’s ambassadors across America. We salute Elaine and hope her story will encourage you to become proactive in the fight against osteoporosis and to learn more about building strong bones for life. If you would like to learn about or start a support group in your area, we are here to help and to answer your questions. Give us a call at 1 (800) 231-4222.
Meet NOF Supporter and Grassroots Volunter Elaine Caflisch (continued)
Osteoporosis and Bone Health Bills Introduced in Congress
strategies for O S t E O p O r O S i Sask the E x p E rt
This issue’s expert is Carly Hamburger, Licensed Massage Therapist, Masters of Public Health Candidate and NOF Practicum Student.
I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Is it safe to have a massage?
If performed safely, massage therapy can offer
relief and improve the quality of life for people who suffer from osteoporosis or those at risk of breaking a bone. Here are some tips to follow:
• Look for a therapist who specializes in geriatric massage. He or she may have more experience treating individuals with osteoporosis. To find a licensed provider, call the American Massage Therapy Association at 1 (888) 843-2682 or visit www.amtamassage.org
• Request a Swedish or relaxation massage. Swedish massages involve light, long strokes and gentle kneading to improve circulation and encourage relaxation. You should only receive gentle pressure, especially on the back.
• When you book an appointment, mention that you have osteoporosis or that you are at risk of fracture. Tell your massage therapist as many details as you can about your health. Let him or her know immediately if the massage is ever uncomfortable or painful.
• If your healthcare provider says it’s safe, gentle massage may help relieve pain after a fracture. Always wait until the fracture has completely healed before having a massage.
• Massage can relax you so much that you may become disoriented. Avoid falling after a massage by having the therapist hand you your glasses,
sitting up slowly and asking for help getting off the table.
from the C O v E r
In May, NOF hosted more than 700 attendees at its annual
International Symposium on Osteoporosis (ISO), Silhouette
Awards Dinner and first-ever Healthy Bones, Build Them for
Life® Consumer and Patient Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada.
These events engage the public, patients and healthcare
professionals in our fight against osteoporosis. Photos can
be viewed at www.nof.org/awardsdinner2011.
ccess to state education and awareness programs on osteoporosis is declining and
patient access to needed osteoporosis testing is at risk. Members of Congress recently introduced bills to address these problems and help improve the lives of osteoporosis patients and those at risk for the disease.
Only 11 states – AR, IL, MA, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, UT, WA, WV – have recently funded education and awareness programs on osteoporosis. If you live in any of the other 39 states, you may not have access to an osteoporosis education and awareness program. Additionally, many states are facing tight budgets and the few with osteoporosis programs may be forced to cut or abolish them.
In May, Senator Gillibrand introduced the “Bone Health Promotion and Research Act of 2011” (S. 966) to help ensure access to bone health education and awareness programs. This bill would give the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authority to create a National Bone Health Program. It also would allow for the expansion of bone health research, including osteoporosis, at the National Institutes of Health, which could lead to better treatments to improve the quality of life of osteoporosis patients.
Currently, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) tests, the standard for osteoporosis screening, are also used to monitor the treatment of osteoporosis patients. Although DXA tests are eligible for coverage under
the Medicare program, patient access to DXA tests may be in jeopardy. The Medicare reimbursement rate for DXA tests performed in physician offices is scheduled to be cut by 62 percent by 2013. Because many physicians may be unable to afford to offer DXA tests to patients if these drastic Medicare reimbursement are carried out, you may not be able to find a physician near you to perform a DXA test, even if you are elegible and need the test. Some patients may have to travel long distances and, because of the transportation burden, some may be forced to skip needed DXA tests.
The “Preservation of Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2011” (S. 1096/H.R. 2020) recently was introduced in Congress by Senators Stabenow and Snowe and Representatives Burgess and Berkley. This bill would maintain current Medicare reimbursement rates through 2013 to help preserve patient access to needed DXA tests.
At NOF we are continuing to advocate for these two bills and we need your help! Join NOF by contacting your Members of Congress to ask that they support these bills. You can contact NOF at 1 (800) 231-4222, and we will provide you with the phone numbers for your Members of Congress. If you have internet access, you can also visit the NOF Web site and sign-up to become an advocate at www.nof.org/advocacy/becomeanadvocate. Together we can make a difference on these important
issues!
A
featured S u p p O rt E r S tO ry
NOF Nominates Patients to Serve on Research Grant Review Panels
OF has nominated ten individuals to participate in the
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).
NOF nominees bring an invaluable patient perspective to the re-
search grant review process as the panels debate the proposals’ potential for
improved medical care and enhanced quality of life. This is the second time
NOF has been invited to nominate patients to the CDMRP. In 2009, NOF
nominated seven individuals.
For fiscal year 2011, the Department of Defense received an appropriation
from Congress through the CDMRP to fund research across 21 research
topic areas, including osteoporosis and related bone diseases. NOF, as a
leader of the National Coalition for Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases
(Bone Coalition), advocated making osteoporosis and related bone diseases
one of the topic areas.
The number of nominees invited to participate in the CDMRP will depend
in part on the number of osteoporosis research proposals submitted. NOF
nominees for 2011 include Philip Caflisch from New York, Christy Cyphers
from Maryland, Marsha Fixler from New York, Sally Fullman from New Jersey,
Carolyn Grove from Georgia, Faye Hollowell from Tennessee, Dana Kurland
from Arizona, Phyllis Lansing from Maryland, Anne Murphy from Maine and
Susan Ross from Connecticut.
“As a consumer reviewer in the 2009 CDMRP, I read and scored close to 30
research proposals. It was fascinating to see that many scientists are working
hard to understand our bones better and find more effective treatments and a
cure for osteoporosis. I am confident that osteoporosis will be eradicated. It’s
only a matter of time. The scientists and NOF need our support. Through my
support group and by raising awareness of osteoporosis and bone health in
my community, I will continue to do my part. My daughter and granddaughter,
and millions of Americans, are depending on us to succeed.”
- Jennie Image, NOF Advocate and Dallas Support Group Leader
Carly Hamburger
Save the date for next year’s activities in
Orlando, Florida
April 25-28, 2012!
N
lthough osteoporosis is a
hereditary disease that a
mother’s m
ay pass on to
a daughter, a mother also can give
her daughter the strength she needs
to lower her risk. It begins w
ith a
conversation that helps a daughter
build a strong body, discover her bone
health needs and learn how a healthy
diet and exercise can help prevent the
disease.
On M
on
day, S
eptem
ber 26 from
11:00 a.m. to 1:3
0 p.m., N
OF w
ill
host its fourth A G
ift from
Mo
thers
to D
aug
hters®
lun
cheo
n at The
Pierre H
otel in New
York City. P
rogram
activities include the launch of our
Generations of S
trength: Mothers and
Daughters cam
paign, a networking
reception, silent auction and a
Judith Ripka shopping boutique w
ith
proceeds benefitting NO
F. We are
delighted to announce that Lisa Oz of
HealthC
orps® and O
prah and Friends
XM
Radio telecast and Freda Lew
is-
Hall, M
.D. of P
fizer and the Patient-
Centered O
utcomes R
esearch Institute
(PC
OR
I) are confirmed honorees.
Of course w
ith up to one in four men
affected by osteoporosis, they are
encouraged to attend the luncheon
too! Men older than 5
0 are more likely
to break a bone due to osteoporosis
than they are to get prostate cancer.
A G
ift from M
others to Daughters®
encourages families to talk about their
health history and celebrates giving
those you love the strength they need
to lower their risk.
To get involved or purchase tickets,
please call 1 (800) 231-4222 or visit
ww
w.nof.org/gift. A
nd stay tuned this
fall for more inform
ation about NO
F’s
Generations of S
trength: Mothers and
Daughters cam
paign activities!
in the NE
WS
NO
F events
Meet N
OF Supporter and
Grassroots Volunter
Elaine Caflisch
n X-ray technician by training, Elaine C
aflisch runs D
XA
scanning for an osteoporosis medical
practice in Western N
ew York. Looking for
additional ways to help, E
laine called NO
F to inquire about starting a support group in her area. A
s a result, she has been sought out by other health and w
omen’s groups to
make presentations. H
er NO
F support group organizes activities like riverfront w
alks, walks at nursing hom
es, sw
imm
ing pool exercises at a comm
unity pool and talks by health experts including sessions led by a physical therapist, neurosurgeon, m
assage therapist and nutritionist.
Elaine has low
bone mass and she w
ishes she had known
the information about osteoporosis prevention that she
knows now
long ago, such as wearing cushioned w
alking shoes w
ith strong arch supports, especially for walking
programs in a m
all where the floors are hard; taking
August 2011
Volume 26
Num
ber 3A
AA N
EW
SlE
ttEr
FrO
m th
E
NAtiO
NA
l OS
tEO
pO
rO
SiS
FOu
Nd
AtiON
OS
tEO
pO
rO
SiS
r
Ep
Or
t
TheIn
thIs Issu
e
in the New
s | NO
F Events | A
sk the Expert
Strategies for O
steoporosis | Supporter S
tory
In thIs Issue
In the News | NOF Events | Ask the Expert | Strategies for Osteoporosis | Supporter Story
Aw
Ar
en
es
s
ed
uc
At
Ion
A
dv
oc
Ac
y
re
se
Ar
ch
continued inside
NONprOFit OrGu.S. pOStAGE
PAIdpErmit NO. 1550WAShiNGtON dC
The Osteoporosis Report is a publication of the National Osteoporosis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. © 2011 National Osteoporosis Foundation.
A G
ift from M
others to Daughters
Luncheon
Th
e P
ierre
Ho
tel • N
ew
York C
ity • Se
pt. 26, 2011
1150 17th Street NW, Suite 850Washington, dC 20036(800) 231-4222www.nof.org
r E S O u r C E S
ww
w.nof.org
Healthy Bones, Build Them for Life® Fall Webinar Series
Title: Safe Pilates and Yoga for Bone Health Date: October 20, 2011 - World Osteoporosis Day Time: 2:00 – 3:15 PM EST
Title: Balancing the Benefits and Risks of Osteoporosis TreatmentDate: December 6, 2011 Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST
To learn more and to register for these free educational programs, visit www.nof.org/webinars or call 1 (866) 702-3278.
A What Your W
rinkles May Say
About Your Bones
recent study led by Yale S
chool of Medicine
researcher Lubna Pal,
M.D
. suggests a possible correlation betw
een skin wrinkles and bone density.
Prelim
inary findings presented at the 2011 annual m
eeting of The Endocrine
Society in June, suggest that skin
wrinkles m
ay one day be able to help identify w
omen w
ho are more likely
to break a bone. In this study of 114 w
omen in their late 4
0’s and early 50’s,
individuals with few
er wrinkles tended
to have greater bone density in the hip, spine and other bones.
What is the possible relationship
between skin w
rinkles and bone density? To begin, collagen is found in our skin and bones and as w
e age our bodies lose collagen. A
long with
this decrease in collagen, many people
experience an increase in skin wrinkles
and a decrease in bone density. As
bone density decreases, people are m
ore likely to develop osteoporosis and broken bones.
Before you panic that your less-
than-youthful skin is an indicator of osteoporosis, keep in m
ind that this study is the start of a potential association that requires m
ore extensive research before any conclusions can be draw
n.
In an effort to present interesting and new
sworthy bone health topics to the
public, Dr. P
al will present her findings
at NO
F’s Pearls of S
trength® Lecture
this Novem
ber in Washington, D
C. This
is the first lecture in a nationwide series.
More inform
ation will be available in the
coming w
eeks at ww
w.nof.org.
New
Osteoporosis Aw
areness and Prevention O
nline ToolkitIn M
ay, NO
F launched its Osteoporosis
Aw
areness and Prevention O
nline Toolkit with
posters, facts sheets, bookmarks and other
items you can dow
nload and use throughout the
year to increase awareness of osteoporosis and
bone health among patients, friends, fam
ily and
comm
unity mem
bers. To view and dow
nload the
toolkit items, visit w
ww
.nof.org/toolkit.
ON
liN
E t
OO
lk
itSTART
CONVERSATIONA
BONE HEALTHOSTEOPOROSIS
ABO
UT
WITH
SOM
EON
E
AND
YOU LOVE
UNDERSTANDYOUR RISK FACTORS.
TALKW
ITH YOUR HEALTHCAREPROVIDER ABOUT HAVING A BONE DENSITY TEST.
STRIVETO GET ENOUGH CALCIUM
, VITAMIN D
AND BONE HEALTHY EXERCISE DAILY.
YOUR SOURCE OF STRENGTHW
WW
.NOF.ORG/TOOLKIT