Guest Blog: Celebrating 40 Years of Commitment to Bone Health: The ‘40 Faces of Osteoporosis’ Campaign 

By: Lindsey West, Chief Program Officer, Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation 

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) is marking its 40th anniversary in 2024 with an inspiring initiative: the ‘40 Faces of Osteoporosis’ campaign. This campaign will highlight the personal stories of 40 individuals who have been affected by osteoporosis or low bone mass, aiming to raise awareness about the impact of this chronic disease and emphasize the importance of prioritizing bone health.

BHOF is featuring these stories throughout the year via a series of personal videos. Each narrative will provide a unique perspective on living with osteoporosis, underscoring the significance of bone health across all stages of life. Osteoporosis can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or background. By sharing these stories, the campaign aims to shed light on the diverse experiences of those living with the disease and inspire a collective effort towards better bone health for all. 

Osteoporosis is widespread, affecting approximately 10 million Americans with an additional 44 million at risk for fractures due to low bone density. To provide some perspective, consider that in the United States osteoporosis is responsible for 2 million broken bones each year, leading to an estimated annual cost of $19 billion. This financial burden is expected to rise as the population ages, highlighting the need for increased awareness and proactive measures. 

Despite its prevalence, many people do not realize that maintaining good bone health is a lifelong commitment, starting in childhood. Early adoption of healthy habits can establish a strong foundation, significantly lowering the risk of fractures later in life. 

Early detection through screening is also crucial in preventing osteoporosis. Screening for low bone density can help identify individuals at risk before fractures occur, enabling timely intervention and management. Regular bone density tests, particularly for those over 50 or with risk factors, are vital to preventing osteoporosis-related fractures.

Fractures due to osteoporosis can have serious consequences, including chronic pain, disability, loss of independence, and even death. BHOF aims to empower people with the knowledge and resources that they need to support good bone health. By focusing on prevention, screening, treatment, and management, the campaign hopes to inspire people of all ages to adopt a proactive approach to bone health.

For more information about the ‘40 Faces of Osteoporosis’ campaign and to view the featured stories, visit bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/40-faces-of-osteoporosis. We encourage you to share these stories and information about the campaign within your communities and on social media to help spread awareness. By sharing the videos and discussing the importance of bone health, you can join us in raising awareness, promoting early detection, and encouraging proactive bone health management. Let’s work together to build a future where osteoporosis no longer limits lives. 

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation is a member of the National Health Council. For more information on NHC membership, please email membership@nhcouncil.org.