- Message from Lisa Qualls, Executive Director
- Giving Day 2023
- Osteoporosis Awareness Month Program Hosts
- New Fundraising Event
- Community Event
- Collaborations
- Partners
- Programs
- Message from Lisa Qualls, Interim Executive Director
- May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month
- Know Your Bone Zone
- We Heard It from You
- Giving Day
- Collaborations
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Message from Lisa Qualls, Interim Executive Director
- May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month
- Last chance to submit your video to American Bone Health
- SOPHE Conference
- April is Volunteer month
- Programs
- Message from Lisa Qualls, Interim Executive Director
- Share a Video: “I had no idea that ____ was a risk factor for weakened or broken bones!”
- Bone Health Tip – The Bone-Healthy Way of Life
- American Bone Health Recognizes Dr. Risa Kagan in Honor of Women’s History Month
- New partner hosts bone health programs in community centers
- American Bone Health to present poster at Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) Annual Conference
- Introducing a New Program! – Why Healthy Bones Matter™ for People Living with HIV
- Message from Lisa Qualls, Interim Executive Director
- Bone Health Tip: The Bone-Healthy Way of Life
- Partners: American Bone Health to present poster at Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) Annual Conference
- Do Orthopaedic Nurses “Own the Bone”?
- Amgen Renews Commitment to Industry Panel
- Programs: New Program: Beyond the Break™
- Make healthy bones part of your new year’s resolution
- Bone Health Tip: Find Activities that Strength the Bone
- Partners: UCB Renews Commitment to Industry Panel
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- 2022 Highlights
- Partners: Recap of Year with Susan G. Komen Community of Thrivers
- Alexion Re-commits Support of American Bone Health Mission
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Publications: Recommendations for Improving Women’s Bone Health Throughout the Lifespan
- We give thanks for the opportunity to make a difference
- Events: Having a blast bringing screenings, information to Susan G. Komen events
- Partners: AgNovos Healthcare joins industry panel
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Are you ready to #StepUpforBoneHealth this World Osteoporosis Day?
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Outreach efforts contribute information and resources
- Community: Outreach brings resources to Hillsborough County schools staff
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Know your risk factors, take action to prevent falls
- Resources: Quiz gives facts about risk factors for those under 45
- Partners: Come see us at MORE THAN PINK Walk, Race for the Cure
- Video: ‘Bone Health and Breast Cancer Connection’ replay now available
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Let’s send kids back to school with healthy habits
- Partners: Cedars-Sinai to host signature educational programs
- Events: Come see us at MORE THAN PINK Walk in Southern California
- Fall Prevention Awareness Week: Fracture Risk Calculator featured in NCOA publication
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- If you are looking for support, we are here to help!
- Events: Webinar explores links between bone and breast health
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Bone Health Tip: Exercise helps maintain muscle mass as we get older
- Healthy bones support healthy bodies for men and boys
- Events: Webinar explores links between bone and breast health
- Peer Educator Spotlight: Kathlene Camp
- Awards: Bone health plan emails garner honors in industry contest
- Partners: Amgen, Ultragenyx renew membership on industry panel
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- May brings more ways to learn how to Build Better Bones
- National Osteoporosis Month: Rally for bone health education on Giving Day
- Events: Webinar explores links between bone and breast health
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Focusing on community can help advance health equity
- National Osteoporosis Month: Know your risk factors, and take action Build Better Bones
- Events: Webinar explores diagnosis, treatment of uncommon disease
- Peer Educator Spotlight: Alejandra Arriaran
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Let’s get ready for spring by focusing on nutrition
- Events: Webinar explores diagnosis, treatment of uncommon disease
- Partners: Delta Phi Lambda members training to educate communities
- In The News: Nancy King Reame joins Medical and Scientific Advisory Board
- Peer Educator Spotlight: Christian Gonzalez
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Let’s keep in mind how other diseases can increase fracture risk
- In The News: HIV case manager training on TV in Tampa
- Peer Educator Spotlight: Terril Teran Mire
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Make healthy bones part of your new year’s resolution
- Partnerships: Campaign assembles organizations’ resources under one banner
- Support Our Work: Join the Monthly Giving Family in 3 easy steps
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Bone Health Tip: How to avoid falls while walking in snowy, icy, wet conditions
- We made great strides in 2021 on our mission to serve more people
- Support Our Work: Your donations will power our growth in the year ahead
- Partners: Delta Phi Lambda expands mission to osteoporosis prevention
- Awards: Educational resources earn Digital Health medals
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- We are helping people with diabetes know their risk, take action
- Partners: Veteran of biopharma industry joins Board of Directors; Alexion renews membership on industry panel
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Bone Health Tip: Some medicines can be bad for your bones — here’s what to do
- For World Osteoporosis Day, let us “Take Action for Bone Health”
- Events: Go ‘Beyond Calcium and Vitamin D’ with expert presentation
- Programs: HIV case manager training curriculum launches in Florida
- Partners: UCB renews membership on industry panel
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Preventing falls is important for people of all ages
- Events: Nutrition is topic of next BoneSense Speaker Series presentation
- Resources: You and Osteoporosis: An Animated Patient’s Guide to Bone Health and Osteoporosis
- Advocacy: Webinar to discuss access to preventive tools for bone health
- Programs: Upcoming virtual events
- Bone Health Tip: Making adjustments can help prevent falls at home
Advisory board member co-authors research on racial disparities
American Bone Health is proud of our Medical & Scientific Advisory Board. These leading experts help us make sense of the latest science so that we can keep our educational content relevant and up to date. This guidance is critical for us to fulfill our educational mission. From time to time, we like to share news about what our MSAB members are accomplishing in their fields.
This month, a major article co-authored by Sabrina E. Noel, PhD, RD, called “Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Bone Health and Outcomes in the United States,” appeared in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. (Dr. Noel’s co-author, Nicole C. Wright, PhD, MPH, also has advised American Bone Health.) This paper explores differences among racial and ethnic groups in measures of bone health and highlights evidence that Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations may receive lesser osteoporosis management and post-fracture care.
- Screening: Don’t delay important preventive measures for bone health
- Resources: Introducing the Cancer Survivor’s Guide to Bone Health
Advisory board member set to receive global honor
American Bone Health has been hard at work developing and launching some exciting new programming. See below for news about our new webinar Bone Health Basics for Movement Professionals as well as a reminder about the new on-demand Spine Health Workshop, which we introduced last month.
We were thrilled recently to hear that a member of American Bone Health’s Medical & Scientific Advisory Board will be honored at the World Congress on Osteoporosis. Dr. Nancy E. Lane is the 2021 recipient of the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors Medal of Achievement, awarded to an individual who has significantly advanced the field of osteoporosis through original and outstanding scientific contributions.
- Instructors can learn to teach BoneSafe movement: Bone Health Basics for Movement Professionals
- In the News: Campaign for seniors features tips for bone health plan
- Events: Spine Health Workshop available for on-demand viewing
- Bone Health Tip: Take these steps to prevent falls at home
Men, Too, Need to Be Aware of Their Bone Health
As American Bone Health is committed to addressing bone health for everyone, I want to highlight how men, specifically, can be impacted by osteoporosis. We need to address the misconception that osteoporosis impacts only women. While the risk is greater for women, men get osteoporosis, too.
One in four men over the age of 50 in the U.S. will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
Men older than 50 are more likely to break a bone from osteoporosis than to get prostate cancer.
Men are more likely than women to die within a year after breaking a hip.
While men in their 50s do not go through the rapid loss of bone mass that women have in the years following menopause, men lose bone at the same rate as women by around age 70. There are many causes of bone loss that impact men earlier in life, too. Some of the risk factors for men include low testosterone; exposure to certain medications, such as high doses of cortisone-like pills, like prednisone; and having other medical conditions such as diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, and prostate cancer (as well as some of its treatments). In addition, lifestyle factors such as smoking, excess alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise can have a negative impact on bones.
Encourage the men in your life to be aware of the importance of their bone health!
MORE…
- Educational Campaigns
- Events
- Partners
- Bone Health Tip
We Are in High Gear for Osteoporosis Awareness Month!
May is National Osteoporosis Awareness Month, and as you can imagine, it has been a busy few weeks for American Bone Health! I am so proud of what this organization is accomplishing. It’s a testament to the hard work of our small staff, our volunteers and Peer Educators, and the productive collaborations we have forged with partner organizations. Here’s a quick rundown of what we have done:
We activated members of the Florida Legislature to sponsor a resolution proclaiming May as Osteoporosis Awareness Month in Florida. Many thanks to Rep. Jackie Toledo, Sen. Janet Cruz and the Florida Legislative Women’s Caucus for their leadership in raising awareness of bone health.
We launched a new multimedia educational resource called “You and Osteoporosis: An Animated Patient’s Guide to Bone Health and Osteoporosis.”
MORE…
- Tools and Resources — YouAndOsteoporosis.com
- Events
- Bone Health Tip
We Are Taking Action to Meet the Needs of Minority Populations
April is National Minority Health Month, “a time to raise awareness about health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minority populations,” according to the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The observance “encourages action through health education, early detection, and control of disease complications.”
American Bone Health supports these goals through programs and partnerships focused on underserved minority populations. These communities need better access to bone health education, screening and treatment, and we are working hard to meet those needs. For example, a recent report by the National Osteoporosis Foundation and Milliman found that only 5% of Black Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries received osteoporosis screening and a bone density test within six months of suffering a fracture – when the need for treatment is greatest – compared to 8% of all Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries.
- Support Our Work
- National Minority Health Month
- Bone Health Tip
Feed Your Bones Well This National Nutrition Month
Spring is right around the corner, and American Bone Health is looking forward to a busy and productive few months ahead. We are offering a robust schedule of free virtual programs, including a series of events in partnership with AARP Florida. We hope you can join us for one of these powerful free sessions! We also will be announcing soon some great opportunities for you to deepen your bone health knowledge and support American Bone Health’s work.
While we are in March, we want to acknowledge that it’s National Nutrition Month. We know nutrition is a very important topic to consumers. Many of the most popular articles on our website deal with nutrition, and we get lots of questions about nutrition during our live events. How we fuel our bodies – from early childhood through old age – is vital for building and keeping strong, healthy bones. It’s one of the factors affecting our bone health that we can influence.
American Bone Health takes pride in offering practical, science-based tips about nutrition, and we are working with members of our expert Medical & Scientific Advisory Board to make sure we have the most up-to-date information available.
- News — Covid-19 vaccine guidance for osteoporosis patietns
- Partners — AARP Florida partnership
- Bone Health Workshop Series
- National Nutrition Month
- Bone Health Tip
History Calls Us to Work for Equitable Health Outcomes
During this Black History Month, we celebrate the great contributions that Black Americans have made, and we acknowledge the injustices that Black Americans continue to face. Among these injustices are disparities in health and health care. That includes bone health, where Black Americans have less access to screening and poorer outcomes resulting from broken bones.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently issued a report on health equity that called upon advocates like American Bone Health to play an important role in efforts to address systemic racism.
“(M)ore evidence is needed to move beyond the current state of merely knowing that certain groups have higher disease prevalence and worse health outcomes to understanding effective evidence-based interventions to improve health outcomes,” the report said.
Last summer, as the nation was riveted by demonstrations calling for equal justice for Black Americans, American Bone Health committed to doing better to serve communities of color. We pledged to increase programs geared toward Black Americans and to improve understanding of how medical conditions that are more prevalent among Black Americans can adversely affect bone health.
We reaffirm the commitments we made last summer, and we are working hard to fulfill our goal, which is to improve health outcomes and promote health equity for all Americans.
- Events” BoneSense® Speaker Series™
- Partners: Delta Phi Lambda chapters step up with contributions
- News: Medtronic joins ranks of our industry partners
Message from Cheryl Hostinak,
Executive Director
We Are Committed to Driving Positive Change
Happy New Year! Many of us looked forward to making a fresh start in 2021 after an exhausting 2020 marked by a deadly pandemic, social unrest, and a tense election season; however, the challenging times continue in the new year. While we deal with life’s stresses in our own ways, let’s remember to take care of our health and to do what we can to lift up others. American Bone Health is committed more than ever to driving positive change in 2021.
This year marks a new beginning for me as I took over at the first of the year as executive director of American Bone Health. I have spent my career working in the fields of women’s health and bone health, and I’m passionate about improving people’s health outcomes, so this is really a dream job for me. Click on the video above to hear a little bit about me and some of what I’m looking forward to as I lead this great organization into the next 30 years.
Wishing you good health, 
- Events: New speaker series featuring expert guests… Dr. Risa Kagan
- News: Echolight joins the ranks of industry partners
- Bone Health Tip
Message from Kathleen Cody,
Executive Director
Representing This Organization
Has Been an Honor
After nearly 20 years as Executive Director of American Bone Health, I am retiring at the end of this year. It has been a great honor to represent this organization over the years. We have worked hard to understand and communicate the science of bone health. We have created many tools and resources to share. And together, we have touched many lives. My hope is that you will continue to engage and educate others in your communities, empowering all to be American Bone Health Strong!
- Awards: Peer Educator Portal garners Merit in Digital Health Awards
- Investing in Bone Health: Peer Educator Portal garners Merit in Digital Health Awards
- News: Ultragenyx joins ranks of industry partners
- DXA+TBS: A Closer Look
Let’s Thank Ourselves with
Little Acts of Gratitude
As we come into the holiday season of this difficult year, there is much to be said for finding ways to show gratitude. How about we start by thanking ourselves for all of those small steps we took to keep stay relatively sane and healthy?
As I take deep breaths, I adjust my posture. I try to remember to always use good form when I lift things, and I keep track of the servings of calcium I eat each day. Those little things add up to a lifetime of healthy habits that will keep our bones strong.
On behalf of all of us at American Bone Health, I am grateful for you. You inspire us to help others take small steps to build strong bones. May you and your families be well and stay well, now and through the holidays.
- Giving Tuesday 2020
- DXA+TBS: A Closer Look
- Partners: Caregiver Action Network
- Spotlight on 30 Years: Linda Murphy
Don’t Let a Broken Hip Happen to You or Someone You Love
Every year, there are over 1.6 million hip fractures around the world. In these times of COVID, hip fractures are proving more than ever to be a death sentence. Don’t let a broken hip happen to you or someone you love. Know your risks. Commit to good nutrition. Get up out of your chair and work on balance and strength to prevent falls. Take care of your bones so they’ll take care of you. American Bone Health™ is here to help.
- World Osteoporosis Day 2020: Family’s story shows disease affects people of all ethnicities
- DXA+TBS: A Closer Look
- What You Can Do: Make sure you’re keeping your bone health on track
- Partners: Caregiver Action Network
Let’s Find the Good Inside Ourselves
This has been a challenging several months for many around the country: Just hearing the news about COVID, fires, hurricanes and politics can create subtle stress in our lives. As the Jewish High Holy Day of Yom Kippur approaches, may we all take a moment to look inside ourselves and connect with the good that we have.
Know that you are not alone, and that together we can be resilient. We are here to remind you how to stay American Bone Health strong.
MORE…
- Resources: Falls Prevention Awareness Week helps keep you on your feet
- Bone Health Tip
- Spotlight on 30 Years: Brenda Davis
As many of us prepare for some form of “back to school,” let’s remember the importance of bone-healthy nutrition and physical activity. Help children build the bone bank that they will draw from when they are older.
- Kids need 3–4 servings of calcium-rich foods each day to support their growing bones.
- Bones like to be loaded and surprised. Encourage jumping activities—skipping rope, hopscotch and cartwheels are great for this!
- Avoid bone bandits—too much salt and sugar can rob bones of their calcium.
American Bone Health sends our best to all the parents, caregivers and educators as you begin a uniquely challenging back-to-school season.
- Partners: Research to be presented at ASMBR
- What’s New: Animated videos tell our story with a bit of fun
- Bone Health Tip
- Spotlight on 30 Years: Lynn Trowbridge
We sadly announce the recent passing of Dr. Bruce Ettinger, a founding member of our Medical and Scientific Advisory Board.
Dr. Ettinger had many accomplishments to his name, and we valued the generous amount of time and energy he gave to American Bone Health. He had a passion for patient literacy that continues to permeate the organization, and he guided us to make all of our communications consumer-friendly and understandable, especially when explaining complex clinical or scientific concepts.
- Partners: The Women’s Health Innovation Coalition
- Bone Health Tip
- Partners: UCB
- Spotlight on 30 Years: Dr. Risa Kagan
June Has Been a Pivotal Month
in U.S. History
Millions of people all over the world took to the streets to demand justice, accountability and reform in the wake of the killings of Black Americans such as George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and so many others before them.
Individuals, businesses and organizations who had stood by in the past began to lend their voice to the growing calls for fundamental change.
The struggle for equality of Black Americans is impossible to ignore.
It was no coincidence that the June uprising for racial justice came amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected Black Americans, indigenous people, and people of color. “Health inequities among communities of color are pronounced, persistent, and pervasive, especially for Black Americans,” says the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors. “The impact of structural inequities follows individuals ‘from womb to tomb.’”
As a health advocate, American Bone Health has been committed to engaging, educating and empowering all Americans across the lifespan. We know that we must do better to reach Black Americans who have less access to screening and poorer outcomes that result from fractures.
Here is how we will do better for Black Americans:
- Increase programs for Black communities, using cultural proficient materials and resources.
- Increase understanding of the links between poor bone health and other related chronic conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease, that are common in communities of color.
- Recruit and train more Peer Educators from Black and other communities of color.
- Recruit Black members to the American Bone Health Board of Directors.
- Recruit Black members to the American Bone Health Medical and Scientific Advisory Board.
We have a lot of work to do, and the voices in the streets are telling us that this work is urgent. We invite your feedback and welcome uncomfortable conversations that help us better serve all people in the country.
- Here is how we will do better for Black Americans
- Community Outreach—Virtual Events Kick Off in Tampa Bay
- Honors—Resource for Newly Diagnosed Wins at Digital Health Awards
- In the News
- American Bone Health Hotline™
- Spotlight on 30 Years—Don Surath
National Osteoporosis Awareness Month
In recognition of May’s observance of National Osteoporosis Awareness Month, we wanted to pass along two personal stories of people living with osteoporosis. Thank you to Katherine Bedeian and Joan Hill for sharing their osteoporosis experiences with us.
- A Short Biography of Osteoporosis—Katherine Bedeian, NP
- Participant in National Osteoporosis Awareness Month
- Healthy Bones Tampa Bay
- A thank you to our partner, Delta Phi Lambda
- Global Healthy Living Foundation
- Bone Health Tip
- Spotlight on 30 Years—Joan Hill
How Are You?
We at American Bone Health understand that life is very different these days, and we want to know how are you doing.
Please watch this short video, and
send your thoughts to info@AmericanBoneHealth.org.
Let us know if you have any questions about how to maintain and even strengthen your bone health during this difficult time.
- The CARES Act and American Bone Health
- Spotlight on 30 years—Teresa Maldonado
Marchok - Participate in Osteoporosis Awareness Month
- 2019 Progress Report: How YOU Made a Difference
- April is National Minority Health Month
- Bone Health Tip
These Are Challenging Times
for All of Us
Like everyone around the world, our team is monitoring the situation and adjusting as things change. We hope that you are well.
Amid the uncertainty, American Bone Health is honoring our accomplishment of 30 years of work with a reaffirmed passion for bone health. We have a new look, new resources, and a renewed commitment to helping you and your loved ones build strong bones for life.
Read on to learn highlights from our past, what is new today and how to be a part of our future.
We Are 30 Years Old!
Time has gone by quickly as we have fought to build better bone health in this country. Over the course of this year, we will be sharing important moments in our history and laying out our vision for the next 30 years.
- Spotlight on 30 Years
- Donor Spotlight—Delta Phi Lambda
- Legislative Efforts
- Bone Health Tip
- Signature Program Update—Freedom from Fractures™
This Year We Celebrate 30 Years of Improving Bone Health
Thank you to our founders, donors, medical advisors, peer educators and all of you who have contributed to the work. We will not rest until we can be sure that all people know how to build strong bones for life.
Our 2019 progress report is at the printer. If you would like to get an electronic copy, please send your email. If you would like a printed copy, please send your address.
- Peer Educator Spotlight—Ama Lee
- Digital Health Awards—Komen Partnership Wins Merit
- Bone Health Tip
- In the News
Happy 2020!
Thank You,
But We Have a Way to Go
In a recent survey, we found that 62% of responders were not aware of the importance of bone health.
As we begin a new year and new decade, our sincere wish is that bone health will become a priority for all Americans. We can do this if we work together.
- Donor Spotlight—Barbara Hoffer
- In the Spotlight—Kathleen Cody
- American Bone Health Top Five Finalist
- Bone Health Tip
We Are Truly Grateful
As we approach this time of Thanksgiving, we are truly grateful for our Board Members, Peer Educators, donors, corporate supporters, and volunteers. Because of them, we are able to bring you important bone health tools and resources.
We are glad that you are a part of our American Bone Health Family.
- Donor Spotlight—Maddy Dychtwald
- Bone Health Hotline
- Brenda Davis—Poster Person for World Osteoporosis Day
- In the News
