Five Things You Can Do to Break Free from Osteoporosis

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to new prevalence data showing approximately 57 million Americans are affected by osteoporosis and low bone mass, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) kicked off a new national awareness campaign today, celebrating May as National Osteoporosis Month. Break Free from Osteoporosis encourages the public to get to know their risk factors for osteoporosis and change their lifestyle to build and maintain strong bones.

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"Osteoporosis is avoidable for many of those at risk. In honor of National Osteoporosis Month, we're working to educate those at risk and the public as a whole on the critical role diet and exercise play in building and maintaining good bone health," said Amy Porter, executive director and CEO, National Osteoporosis Foundation. "From trying a new bone healthy recipe to adding a new exercise to your regular routine, we're working with several partners to showcase all the different ways you can take action to protect your bones this month."

Osteoporosis is responsible for two million bone breaks per year, but many can be avoided with better prevention and treatment practices. Throughout National Osteoporosis Month, NOF is encouraging the public to take action to reduce their risk of osteoporosis and broken bones by following the five steps below.

5 Things You Can Do to Break Free from Osteoporosis

1. Get to know your risk factors: According to NOF's recently released prevalence data, 9 million adults in the U.S. have osteoporosis and more than 48 million have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis and broken bones. Many factors play a role in your risk for osteoporosis, including age, gender, lifestyle, medical history, family history and whether you take any medication or have medical conditions that can lead to bone loss. To better understand your risk, talk to your healthcare provider about all of the factors above and ask what you can start doing today to reduce your risk of getting the disease.

2. Get active: Regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise is one of the best ways to protect against osteoporosis and broken bones. Throughout May, Barbara Hannah Grufferman, a healthy aging  expert and one of NOF's Bone Health Ambassadors, is releasing a new video each week highlighting an exercise you can add to your routine to build and maintain stronger bones. Visit www.nof.org to keep up with Barbara's weekly video series and try the exercises with her at home.*

3. Try a bone healthy recipe: Calcium, vitamin D, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats are the key to eating for healthy bones. To bring you new recipe ideas, NOF partnered with five of America's top chefs and asked them to create a recipe, or adapt an existing recipe that meets bone healthy criteria. Eat your way to healthier bones by trying one or all of the following recipes this month!

• Skyr Yogurt Panna cotta with Raspberries, Flax Seed, Peppermint & Cocoa Powder – Chef Colleen Grapes
• Harri's Sardine Sandwich with Mustard & Yogurt Butter – Chef Todd Gray
• Lamb Tangine with Prunes, Almonds, Sesame Seeds & Yogurt Sauce – Chef Hamid Idrissi
• Smoked Gouda Alaskan King Crab Mac 'n Cheese – Chef Billy Oliva
• Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni – Chef Nick Stellino

4. Clean out your jewelry box to support NOF: Break free from jewelry you no longer wear by selling it to our partners at CIRCA, the leading international buyer of fine jewelry, diamonds and watches. CIRCA is supporting National Osteoporosis Month by donating 10 percent of the jewelry purchase value for those who mention NOF through the end of May. Visit http://www.circajewels.com/locations/ to find a CIRCA location near you.

5. Attend an educational event to learn more about osteoporosis: Attend an NOF event in your area to meet leading experts on osteoporosis and get answers to your personal questions on diet, exercise, effective treatments and more. Visit our calendar of events to see what we have planned during May. And if we don't have an event in your area, use our toolkit of resources and information to plan an osteoporosis educational event of your own.

"CIRCA is proud to support the National Osteoporosis Foundation and their efforts to raise awareness and curb the rising trend of this disease during National Osteoporosis Month," said Mary L. Forte,  CIRCA's Acting CEO. "NOF has made tremendous strides in educating the public and is helping women lead happier, healthier lives. We are excited to support NOF through a unique fundraising platform that allows supporters to contribute to the organization through the sale of no longer worn jewelry." 

To learn more about the Break Free from Osteoporosis campaign and how to build and maintain strong bones for life, please visit www.nof.org.

About the National Osteoporosis Foundation  
Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation's leading health organization dedicated to preventing osteoporosis and broken bones, promoting strong bones for life and reducing human suffering through programs of awareness, education, advocacy and research. For more information on the National Osteoporosis Foundation, visit www.nof.org.

Contact: Valerie Patmintra
(202) 320-6388
[email protected] 

*Always check with your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program.

SOURCE National Osteoporosis Foundation