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Remarks as Prepared; Not a Transcript. Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H, FACS Welcome, everyone, and thank you for being here today to help us launch the first-ever Surgeon General's Report on bone health and osteoporosis. Bone health is an often-overlooked aspect of health. With your help, we will change that with the release of this Report. Joining me today are Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson; as well as Ms. Abby Perelman, who has osteoporosis; and Dr. Lawrence Raisz, Director of the Osteoporosis Center at the University of Connecticut and one of the scientific editors of the Report. First, I have the honor of introducing a leader and a man I respect very much. Secretary Tommy G. Thompson is the nation's greatest advocate for the health and well-being of all Americans. Under Secretary Thompson's leadership, we have strengthened our country's preparedness for a bioterrorism attack, thus making all our families safer. He has fought for additional funding for health-related research. And he works tirelessly to encourage Americans to combat diseases like diabetes and obesity through prevention: simple steps like eating healthy foods and getting regular physical activity. I am honored to be a part of his team - please welcome Secretary Tommy Thompson. [Secretary Thompson's Remarks] Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate this opportunity to share with you the latest news from the Office of the Surgeon General. As many of you know, I am focused on the three priorities President Bush set when he nominated me to be the 17th United States Surgeon General. I am lucky to work with a President and a Secretary who understand and insist that science must guide everything that I do. The three priorities that we have been working on relentlessly are: prevention, public health preparedness, and eliminating health disparities. This report on bone health and osteoporosis, the first-ever Surgeon General's Report on this topic, follows in the tradition of Reports from my 16 predecessors in this office. Surgeon General Reports identify the relevant scientific data, rigorously evaluate and summarize the evidence, and determine conclusions. This Report follows on the work of thousands of dedicated scientists, clinicians, advocates, and public health professionals. And it is a starting point for even more concentrated national action to understand, prevent, diagnose, and treat bone diseases. The risks associated with poor bone health are high. By 2020, half of all American citizens older than 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. 10 million Americans over the age of 50 have osteoporosis, the most common bone disease. Another 34 million are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Each year, roughly 1.5 million people suffer a bone fracture related to osteoporosis. The costs are tremendous: Approximately 20 percent of senior citizens who suffer a hip fracture die within a year of fracture. These numbers alone are enough to raise concern. And when we also consider the financial burden of bone disease, we see the impact of this not only on our health, but also on our economy…both personally and as a nation. Caring for bone fractures from osteoporosis costs America at least $18 billion a year in direct medical costs. Thirty years ago, doctors thought weak bones and osteoporosis were a natural part of aging, but today we know that we can do something about them. We each have a role to play. On March 21, 2002, President Bush proclaimed the years 2002 to 2011 the National Bone and Joint Decade, recognizing the importance of promoting a healthy musculoskeletal structure for all people - from childhood through adulthood. Research remains a critical component of our plans to prevent and reduce bone disease in America. But research alone cannot ensure that the appropriate actions are taken to prevent osteoporosis and other bone diseases. Americans need to learn that they are never too old or too young to improve their bone health. Osteoporosis isn't just your grandmother's disease. We all need to take better care of our bones. With healthy nutrition, physical activity every day, and regular medical check-ups and screenings, Americans of all ages can have strong bones and live longer, healthier lives. Likewise, if it's diagnosed in time, osteoporosis can be treated with new drugs that help prevent bone loss and rebuild bone before life-threatening fractures occur. The good news is this - and you'll probably hear me say it a few more times because I think it's the most important thing the public can get from this report: You are never too old or too young to improve your bone health. Speaking of the public, we have also developed a special publication for the non-scientists who may not be interested in reading the 400-page full Report. This little magazine is a plain-language guide to help people understand what the report says and what it means to them. We call this magazine the "People's Piece." It answers the most commonly asked questions about how to develop and maintain healthy bones. We are distributing the "People's Piece" and posters through a number of venues, and they will also be available via a toll free number and our Web site at www.surgeongeneral.gov. The toll-free number to call for copies of the People's Piece is 1-866-718-BONE. I am working hard to improve Americans' health literacy about bone health. We need to close the gap between what health professionals like Dr. Raisz, Secretary Thompson, and our colleagues know about bone health, and what most Americans understand. Right now, we have a tremendous lack of understanding. If we can spread three simple recommendations about bone health, we can save thousands of lives, reduce suffering for millions of individuals and their families, and avoid billions of dollars in future health care costs.
That is part of why I am also challenging health care professionals to proactively assess, diagnose, and treat Americans by evaluating risks for patients of all ages. The Report calls on health care professionals to help Americans maintain healthy bones by evaluating risks for bone disease and fracture, and recommending bone density tests for women over the age of 65 and for any man or woman who suffers even a minor fracture after the age of 50. In addition, I am calling on health care professionals to look for "red flags" that may indicate that someone is at risk, including people who are under 50 who have had multiple fractures, or patients who take medications or have a disease that can lead to bone loss. However, individuals and health care professionals acting alone will not make a long-term, sustainable difference. A coordinated public health approach that brings together public- and private-sector stakeholders in a collaborative effort is the most promising strategy. Over the past three years, Secretary Thompson has worked to reach the goals outlined in Healthy People 2010, HHS' "road map" for improving the nation's health. Bone health is a key element of Healthy People 2010, and we are working to reduce by 20 percent the proportion of adults with osteoporosis and adults who are hospitalized for fractures associated with osteoporosis by the year 2010. We are making some excellent strides, but we know that the government cannot do it all. That is why we are asking everyone to join together to promote bone health by increasing awareness, promoting lifestyle changes, and defining and implementing treatment options for people of all ages. I am pleased now to introduce Abby Perelman, who suffers from osteoporosis. There is no question that sharing a very personal experience in front of a room full of people… and the media… is difficult. We appreciate Abby's willingness to be here today and hope that her story will help encourage other Americans to take steps now to improve their bone health. Thank you, Abby. [ABBY SPEAKS.] Thank you for sharing your story with us today, Abby. Stories like yours illustrate how important it is for every American to take steps to protect their bone health. As I said earlier, just 30 years ago when I was a young medical student, we all believed that weak bones and osteoporosis were a natural part of aging. But today we know they are not. We can do a lot to prevent bone disease. Everyone has a role to play in improving bone health, and this report is a starting point for national action on bone health. Let's get started by taking action today in homes, health care settings, and communities across our nation. Remember, "You are never too old or too young to improve your bone health." Now I would like to open the floor for any questions about the Report, the People's Piece, or bone health in general. ### Last Revised: October 21, 2004 |
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