Home


Meet Dr. Donnica Video Introduction TV Appearances


Diseases & Conditions Today on DrDonnica.com Clinical Trials Decisionnaires FAQs Top Tips Fast Facts Debunking Myths News Alerts Celebrity Speak Out Guest Experts Women's Health Champions Books Women's Health Resources


Mission Privacy Policy Sponsors Press Room What's New? Contact Us

This website is accredited by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.


OBGYN Award


Hope Award
 

Send to a Friend

NOF Applauds New Bone Density Test Recommendations

(Washington DC, 9/16/02):  The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation that all women 65 and older be screened for osteoporosis is an important step forward, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). 

"In just six years, the recommendation by the USPSTF shifted from 'insufficient evidence' to this important recommendation that all women 65 and older be tested," said Bess Dawson-Hughes, MD, president of NOF.  "Since a bone mineral density (BMD) test is currently the best means of assessing the true health of a person's bones, and because osteoporosis and low bone mass are so widespread in America, this represents a vital step forward in our efforts to ensure bone health for all."

NOF released a prevalence report,  "America's Bone Health: The State of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass in Our Nation", in February 2002.  The report includes estimates that 44 million Americans - 55 percent of men and women aged 50 and older - suffer from osteoporosis or low bone mass.  These numbers are estimated to jump to 61 million by 2020.

Dr. Dawson-Hughes also pointed out that USPSTF screening recommendations are consistent with NOF guidelines.  "These recommendations are very similar to the testing guidelines NOF published in 1999 in our Physician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis," she said.  "We are very pleased that the Task Force has affirmed NOF's BMD recommendations."

NOF guidelines recommend testing for women 65 and older and for postmenopausal women under the age of 65 with risk factors for osteoporosis. Currently, research has estimated that only about 12 percent of women over the age of 65 actually have gotten a BMD test.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation is the leading nonprofit, voluntary health organization dedicated to promoting lifelong bone health in order to reduce the widespread prevalence of osteoporosis and associated fractures, while working to find a cure for the disease through programs of research, education and advocacy.

Click here for more information about osteoporosis.


Created: 9/16/2002  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.


All the content contained herein is copyrighted pursuant to federal law. Duplication or use without
the express written permission of DrDonnica.com subjects the violator to both civil & criminal penalties.
Copyright © 2006 DrDonnica.com. All rights reserved.

Home | Today on DrDonnica.com | Meet Dr. Donnica | TV Appearances | Clinical Trials
Diseases & Conditions | Decisionnaires | Celebrity Speak Out | Guest Experts | Women's Health Champions
FAQs | Women’s Health Resources | Archive | Books & Tapes | Site Certification | Advanced Search
Mission | What’s New? | Press Room | Privacy Policy | Sponsors | Partners | Contact Us