Humana brings One Million Strong Campaign to Washington, D.C. to promote bone health and fracture prevention
Educational outreach will feature free bone mineral density screenings, healthy cooking and strength building exercise demonstrations on April 27
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Apr 25, 2006 - Humana, Inc. (NYSE:HUM) is partnering with Procter & Gamble and The Alliance for Better Bone Health (P&G Pharmaceuticals and sanofi-aventis) on April 27 to enhance Congressional awareness about the effects of osteoporosis and the risk of fractures for our nation's elderly. The "One Million Strong" campaign is part of Humana's outreach initiative to facilitate better bone health through lifestyle education and detection of risk factors for fracture, including low bone mass. This event will be held on Capitol Hill from 10:00AM to 12:00PM in the Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2218.
In addition to receiving a free bone mineral density (BMD) screen via quick heel scan to help assess one's risk of osteoporotic fracture, event participants can speak with health care professionals about bone health, and learn about the importance of a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Members of the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program will also be on hand to discuss the importance of weight-bearing and resistance-training exercises to optimize bone health.
In addition to the Capitol Hill event, Humana and The Alliance for Better Bone Health are taking the One Million Strong campaign on a six-state community outreach initiative during April and May (Osteoporosis Awareness Month) in conjunction with Humana's Medicare "Let's Talk" RV Tour. All One Million Strong Campaign events are free and open to the public. "According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women and one in four men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in her/his lifetime," said Scott Latimer MD, Humana president of Humana's Central and North Florida markets. "Our efforts are focusing on reducing the number of osteoporosis-related bone fractures that affect 28 million Americans every year as well as the associated costs for hospitalization following hip, vertebrae and other skeletal fractures -- which were approximately $18 billion in 2002. Through our partnership with Procter & Gamble and The Alliance for Better Bone Health we are taking osteoporosis education and screenings into local communities to help individuals - especially the elderly and others at higher risk for osteoporotic fractures - to identify their risks and prevention options," Latimer added.
"Fractures from osteoporosis can have serious consequences, especially for the person who desires to stay active and independent as they age," said Karen Silvis, Director of Customer Marketing and Support and Account Management, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals. "This partnership with Humana is a great initiative to help educate people on their risks for osteoporosis-related fractures and to help them maintain a healthy and active lifestyle."
According to the 2004 Bone Health and Osteoporosis Report from the Surgeon General, there is much that individuals can do to promote their own bone health, beginning in childhood and continuing into old age. These include:
- Eat a well-balanced diet containing a variety of foods, nonfat or low fat dairy products or other calcium-rich foods;
- Boost vitamin D levels through diet or supplements;
- Incorporate specific strength-and weight-bearing activities into a daily physical activity regimen; and
- See a health care provider if an individual has a medical condition or uses medications that can affect the skeleton. Women should also see their health care provider if menstrual periods stop for three months.
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