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Florida Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program
Overview
Enacted by the Florida Legislature (Statute 381.87)
Florida Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program
Program Overview
According to a report released in October 2004 by the Surgeon General, entitled Bone Health and Osteoporosis,
A report of the Surgeon General, an estimated 44 million men and women ages 50 or older either have low
bone mass or osteoporosis. The current estimated price tag for America in direct medical costs for treating
fractures resulting from osteoporosis range from $12.2 to $17.9 billion per year in 2002 dollars.
Left unchecked, the bone health status of Americans is only going to get worse, due primarily to the aging
of the population. In fact, the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic-related fractures will increase
significantly unless the underlying bone health status of American sis significantly improved. By 2010, roughly
12 million individuals over age 50 are expected to have osteoporosis and another 40 million to have low bone mass
(National Osteoporosis Foundation 2002).
Much of this considerable burden can be prevented. Evidence clearly suggests that individuals can do a great deal
to promote their own bone health. Prevention of bone begins at birth and is a lifelong challenge. By choosing
to engage in regular physical activity, to follow a bone-healthy diet, and to avoid behaviors such as smoking that
can damage bone, individuals can improve their bone health throughout life.
You are never too old or too young to improve your bone health.
For more information on bone health, call the Florida Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program at the
Department of Health's Bureau of Family and Community Health at (850) 245-4455. Information is also available
on the web at www.doh.state.fl.us/family/osteo/index.html or visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation at
www.nof.org or The Surgeon General's website at http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/index.html
Implementation:
Florida Department of Health has formed a partnership with ten Area Health Education
Centers (AHEC's), County Health Departments, and concerned citizens to
implement the osteoporosis educational programs for adults and children. In addition,
the program provides statewide awareness activities by distribution of educational
materials and
participation in Osteoporosis Awareness Month (May) activities.
DOH Osteoporosis Education Programs:
The Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program curriculums are designed to build a great
family foundation for a healthy living through increased awareness of the benefits of physical
activity, healthy eating habits, and to not smoke and dring alcohol in order to build and maintain
healthy bones, muscles and joints throughout the lifespan.
Families Building Strong Bones - Adult Education
Bone Builders
An interactive educational program developed to educate adults on risk factors, prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis. Emphasis is placed on families building strong bones.
You're never too young or too old to improve your bone health.
Food for Thought - High School Program
Using life-size skeletons, students learn the effects of nutrition on their organs, muscles, and bones.
The two-part program includes a segment of anorexia and bulimia. Students discuss body image, societal
pressures, the importance of a balanced nutrition, good self-esteem and the importance of building strong
bones and bodies by emphasizing the importance of calcium in their diets, and weight bearing exercise.
Fit for Life - Middle School Program
An interactive program that focuses on the importance of physical fitness, good nutrition and the
prevention of osteoporosis. The curriculum provides examples of calcium rich foods, includes three
dimensional models showing the muscles and organs of the human body, a food exercise diary, and post
activities to reinforce the learning experience.
Bone Zone - Children's Education Program
An interaction program developed to provide health information to children about osteoporosis and healthy
lifestyles. The program provides children with fun ways to learn about osteoporosis and what they can
do now to keep their bones healthy and prevent osteoporosis in their adult lives. The program has colorful
displays, songs and cheers, and a life size skeleton the children put together one bone at a time.
Future Vision:
Preventing osteoporosis will involve both professional and public education. The
Department of Health is committed to providing osteoporosis education to all Floridians
on how to build and maintain strong bones as an integral part of lifelong health
and independence.
Contact:
Contact the Florida Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program
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