Aging in Motion (AIM) is a coalition of organizations working to advance research and treatment of sarcopenia and age-related functional decline; it’s led by the Alliance.
Alliance Unveils Resource about Bone Disease
Published January 11, 2008
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The Alliance for Aging Research Unveils New Resource to Educate Women About Bone Disease
“Standing Strong” Toolkit Available to Community Groups
January 11th, 2008, Washington, D.C. – The Alliance for Aging Research has developed a new resource to educate women about osteoporosis, also known as porous bone disease. The kit includes a leader’s guide, an educational video and patient brochures and is designed to assist community groups in hosting workshops to educate older adults about the disease.
Osteoporosis poses a serious risk to older, post-menopausal women, although men can develop the disease. Other risk factors include a family history of osteoporosis, being thin or small framed, a diet low in calcium and vitamin D, smoking, and an inactive lifestyle. A woman’s risk of hip fracture from osteoporosis is the same as her combined risk of getting breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. In fact, one in three American women will have a spinal fracture due to the disease and one in six will fracture her hip.
The materials focus on effective communication between women and their health care professionals as a key factor in improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, which is a silent disease. Many people don’t know they have it until they break a bone.
“Osteoporosis is a serious disease that affects millions of older women,” said Daniel Perry, executive director of the Alliance. “These women risk fractures of the spine, hip and other bones, causing pain and impaired mobility, and which can lead to loss of independence, or even death.”
The video features women of various ages who have recently been diagnosed with the disease and a leading medical expert. It includes helpful information on preventing and treating osteoporosis, as well as managing the disease and living a full and healthy life. The video looks at the risk factors, diagnosis by bone density testing, and prevention and treatment through diet, exercise and drug therapy. Novartis funded the toolkit through an unrestricted educational grant.
The toolkit, Standing Strong: Preventing and Treating Osteoporosis, includes a leader’s guide, DVD and 10 patient brochures. The toolkit costs $14.00. To order a copy, contact the Alliance for Aging Research at 202-293-2856. Materials, including the video, also may be accessed online at www.agingresearch.org.
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Founded in 1986, the Alliance for Aging Research is a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the health and independence of aging Americans through public and private funding of medical research and geriatric education. The Alliance combines the interest of top scientists, public officials, business executives, and foundation leaders to promote a greater national investment in research and new technologies that will prepare our nation for the coming senior boom, and improve the quality of life for today’s older generation.