[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 23, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S4294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE IMPACT OF OSTEOPOROSIS

 Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I'd like to take a few moments to 
address a health issue of critical importance to Americans, especially 
older women. Osteoporosis affects 28 million Americans, 80 percent of 
whom are women. Nearly one in every two women and one in every eight 
men over age 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture in his or her 
lifetime. This disease measurably impact the ability of many older 
Americans to maintain the independence and mobility so integral to 
mental well-being.
  Osteoporosis is estimated to cost the United States care system $14 
billion annually. In my home state of Iowa, it is estimated that $2.9 
billion will be spent over the next 20 years as a result of hip, wrist 
and vetebral fractures. Annual costs are expected to increase from $76 
million in 1995 to more than $229 million in 2015.
  According to the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs, Iowa is the state 
with the highest proportion of people considered to be the ``oldest 
old'' in the country. Twenty percent are 80 years of age and over. The 
people in this age segment are more frequently women. They are usually 
living alone; and they are probably the persons with the lowest 
incomes.
  One of the most sobering facts is that osteoporosis is largely 
preventable. Prevention is a key element in fighting the disease, 
because while there are numerous treatments for osteoporosis, there is 
no cure. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, there are 
four ways an individual can prevent osteoporosis. First, maintain a 
balanced daily diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Participate in 
weight-bearing exercise. Do not smoke or drink excessively. And 
finally, when appropriate, have your bone density tested and take any 
physician-prescribed medications. All this to say, osteoporosis is a 
disease which we in the Senate cannot afford to take lightly.
  The National Osteoporosis Foundation has declared May to be National 
Osteoporosis Prevention Month. In my capacity as an honorary member of 
the foundation's board of trustees, I am glad to have the opportunity 
to come to the floor to raise the issue of osteoporosis and speak on 
the need for continued vigilance in battling this disease.
  In addition to being National Osteoporosis Prevention Month, May also 
marks a one-year anniversary for a special group in Iowa. In May 1999, 
a group of Newton, Iowa, residents formed the Newton Support Group 
under the leadership of Peg Bovenkamp and with the help of Skiff 
Medical Center. The Newton group is the first Iowa support network 
affiliated with the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Today, the 
members of the Newton Support Group are participating in Newton's 
Senior Citizen's Health Fair. I wish them success as they provide 
information to older Iowans about osteoporosis prevention and 
treatment. It is my sincere hope that in coming years we will see 
similar groups form in other parts of my great state and throughout the 
region.
  Throughout my years in Congress, I have championed effort to increase 
awareness and research funding for osteoporosis. In the 102nd Congress, 
I introduced legislation to increase research at the Arthritis 
Institute, form a research center on osteoporosis, and create a Health 
and Human Services interagency council to set priorities for 
osteoporosis research.
  More recently, I cosponsored legislation which passed as part of the 
Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997. The Bone Mass Measurement Coverage 
Standardization Act, as included in the BBA, provides Medicare 
reimbursement for bone mass density tests for vulnerable beneficiaries. 
This benefit took effect July 1, 1998. And, yesterday I sent a letter 
to the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) requesting 
information and the most recent data possible on program utilization.
  Osteoporosis deeply affects the lives of older Americans, mostly 
women. And, it is preventable if healthy lifestyle choices are made at 
a young age. As we recognize National Osteoporosis Prevention Month, I 
would commend the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the Strong Women 
Inside and Out coalition, Peg Bovenkamp and the Newton Support Group, 
and all those working to raise awareness of the disease. It is my 
sincere hope that someday in the not too distant future, I can again 
come to the floor with news of a cure for osteoporosis. Until that 
time, I will continue supporting efforts to eradicate this devastating 
disease.

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