Tia Writes Press Releases

LOS ANGELES, March 25, 2004 - Snap! Crackle! Pop! How annoying is it when somebody cracks their knuckles? Or how 'bout that crack! your co-worker makes each time he walks to the water cooler?

Now imagine this. The split-second sounds of bones splintering every forty-five seconds. That's what's happening 1.5 million times each year in America to those suffering from osteoporosis. Don't ask them what it sounds like. Because the Big O doesn't creek up on you. It creeps. Silently. Until one day... Snap! Crackle! Pop! Only it's not a purposefully popped knuckle. It's a fractured wrist at a computer keyboard. Or an elbow. Or a spine.

Osteoporosis is a "porous bone" disease. It's caused by low bone mass and deteriorating bone tissue. Which leads to fragile bones. Which increase your chances of the splintering of bones in the body. Which ones you ask? ALL OF THEM.

This silent creeping is just one reason the Big O is so ominous. You can't ask the 34 million who are estimated to have low bone mass about it. Because they don't know about it. Yet. So ask any one of the 10 million already afflicted with the Big O what it feels like to live with the misery and pain. And the debilitating life that comes with it.

Fortunately, Orthopaedic Hospital Los Angeles promotes the truth about osteoporosis and how you can prevent your bones from cracking up. "The Big O is sneaking up on forty-four million Americans. They don't have a clue about the risk for osteoporosis," says Robert K. Rude, M.D., director of the Bone and Mineral clinic at Orthopaedic Hospital in Los Angeles. "And why should they? The most Americans know about bones is what they see in scary movies. The trend has been to diagnose the disease when bones become so weak that a fall, or less, causes a fracture. At Orthopaedic Hospital, here's the message we want everyone to know. The effects of osteoporosis are absolutely preventable. And if detected early, in some cases, reversible," he adds.

Wake up! - Learn about osteoporosis and shatter the myth. Osteoporosis is not natural to aging. People continue to perpetuate this false belief because it's all they know. The body doesn't manufacture the Big O. What you do or don't do in childhood and for the rest of your life affects all of the body's healthy growth - bones included. Bones are living tissue, constantly changing. Stop thinking there's nothing you can do to better your bones.

Activate! - You're already a body-builder. Who do you think is carrying 'round dem bones? But that's not enough. Energetic exercise can prevent osteoporosis. (And remember, you don't know till your bones go.) Go ahead. Rattle them bones. Weight-bearing movement is best. Walk, dance, jog, pump iron, stair-climb, play racquet ball and hike your way to better bones.

Measure the Mass - It's likely you're measuring your flesh. With a tape and a scale. Right? But did you know a quick, easy, painless X-ray measures the largest bone mass in the body? The hips and spine are where most osteoporotic fractures occur (ouch!). Get a DEXA bone density test annually. (Especially if you're 50+. Or haven't been exercising.) Moms, dads, kids. Everybody's got 'em. Screenings are great to better your bones.

Don't 'dis your diet - Got milk? Nourish yourself with foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. Inadequate calcium contributes to osteoporosis. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. The less vitamin D, the less calcium supply to the bones. Milk, other dairy products, broccoli, egg yolks, liver and saltwater fish all have adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D. A balanced diet + no smoking + low alcohol intake betters the bones.

Dr. Robert puts the Ahhlignment back in America.
"Our bodies are made for suppleness. We can't ever have bones
of steel. But there's never a reason to let osteoporosis steal your health. It doesn't just shorten your stature. It shortens your life."

- Robert K. Rude, M.D., Director, Bone and Mineral Clinic at Orthopaedic Hospital Los Angeles; in association with Keck School of Medicine, U.S.C.

Usually $285 now just $59. That's all you'll pay for a full-bodied bone density DEXA-ray during the month of April. Insurance and Medicare may qualify. Call Orthopaedic Hospital Los Angeles today: (213) 742-1186. Mention: code OPPR.

World-leaders in patient care, teaching and research in orthopaedic medicine, Orthopaedic Hospital Los Angeles houses "Best Doctors in America" named by Woodward & White. It's no wonder their care improves qualities of life for children and adults with crippling disorders. Surpassing 90 years of the finest orthopaedic care universally, no child in need has ever been turned away — regardless of ability to pay.

That's the care, friendliness and compassion of Orthopaedic Hospital.
Taking Extraordinary Steps. www.orthohospital.org.