While there is no cure for osteoporosis, the disease is preventable and treatable. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, with supplements if necessary, helps to build healthy bones and prevent bone loss. Avoiding or reducing smoking and alcohol intake also helps to prevent osteoporosis. It is important for at-risk individuals to speak with their health care provider about osteoporosis and determine what prevention or treatment plan is best suited for them. Osteoporosis is not a normal part of the aging process.
Osteoporosis crosses all race, gender, and economic boundaries.
The COPE campaign gives us a better chance of educating thousands of Californians about how to take care of themselves and their bones. FORE will be a statewide distributor of information about osteoporosis prevention and management. The COPE program is a joint effort coordinated by DHS and the University of California at San Francisco, Institute for Health and Aging, in collaboration with the California Department of Aging.