A wide coalition of practicing health professionals and aging service providers at the local level will be spreading the message as widely as possible that it's never too late to protect yourself from osteoporosis. Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and exercising regularly to increase balance and agility can prevent falls that can result in bone fractures. We are trying to reach every older woman in Delaware with this important information. This campaign is a public-private partnership between health and aging professionals, voluntary organizations, the private sector, government agencies, and members of the news media so that we can get the facts out about Osteoporosis and how women can protect themselves from falls and fractures. Dr. Nancy Murphy, Medical Director for the Osteoporosis Resource Center in Wilmington said that the disease is treatable.
Osteoporosis is very common among older women and frequently asymptomatic.
Fortunately, even early stages of bone loss can be detected with bone-density testing. Therefore, since this disease is both preventable and treatable, all post-menopausal women should monitor bone density regularly. JoAnn Baker, Director of Women's and Reproductive Health at DPH said that bone loss occurs without symptoms. People may not know that they have the disease until their bones become so weak that a sudden bump or fall causes a fracture. This campaign will hopefully get the word out that specific actions and lifestyle changes can make a difference.