Dr. Cherry Prescribes...

Dr. Cherry Prescribes...

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

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 Richard 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 Thompson, "it is a starting point for even more concentrated national action to understand, prevent, diagnose and treat bone diseases."

Secretary Thompson 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.