Decreasing the incidence of osteoporosis-related injuries through diet and exercise.

Osteoporosis is the most common systemic bone disorder in the United States. It affects 15 million people--primarily women--causing thousands of injuries and deaths per year at a cost estimated at +3.8 billion annually. Two important factors in preventing osteoporosis are regular exercise and adequate calcium intake throughout life. Studies have shown that the average daily consumption of calcium by premenopausal and postmenopausal American women is between one-third and one-half that needed to maintain a positive calcium balance and prevent the loss of bone mass. This proposal elaborates the following specific ways that our health care and educational institutions can change these prospects: a screening program for women of all ages, to identify those most at risk for developing osteoporosis; an increase in the recommended daily dietary allowance for calcium; a public information campaign about osteoporosis, using television and radio; an investigation of the feasibility of calcium additives in the American diet; and the establishment of an organization to develop educational programs and monitor research in osteoporosis prevention. Now is the time to make the appropriate efforts to better the prospects for millions to enjoy a long and healthier life.