[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 369 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                          May 21, 2008.
Whereas osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low bone mass, structural 
        deterioration of bone, and increased susceptibility to fractures, is a 
        public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans;
Whereas in the United States, 10 million individuals already have the disease 
        and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing 
        them at increased risk for osteoporosis;
Whereas one in two women and one in four men over age 50 will have an 
        osteoporosis-related fracture in her or his remaining lifetime;
Whereas building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can be the best 
        defense against developing osteoporosis later;
Whereas osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person's disease, but bone 
        health is a concern for any age;
Whereas substantial risk has been reported in people of all ethnic backgrounds;
Whereas although osteoporosis often has no symptoms in its early stages, a bone 
        mineral density test can be used to assess fracture risk and to 
        establish the diagnosis and severity of the disease in people at risk 
        before they start fracturing their bones;
Whereas in 2005 osteoporosis was responsible for an estimated 2 million 
        fractures and $19 billion in costs;
Whereas the Surgeon General believes that bone health is critically important to 
        the overall health and quality of the life of Americans; that it is in 
        jeopardy and will only get worse if left unchecked; and that great 
        improvements in the bone health status of Americans can be made by 
        applying what is already known about early prevention, assessment, 
        diagnosis, and treatment;
Whereas optimum bone health and prevention of osteoporosis can be maximized by a 
        balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D; weight-bearing exercise; 
        and a healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake; and
Whereas May 2008 would be an appropriate month to observe National Osteoporosis 
        Awareness and Prevention Month: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the goals and ideals of 
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month and urges the people of the 
United States to observe appropriate programs and activities with respect to 
osteoporosis, including talking with their health care professionals about their 
bone health.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.