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Comprehensive Strategy A First For Ontario
TORONTO, Feb. 22 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is launching Ontario's
first osteoporosis strategy to help prevent the disease through education and
early diagnosis, announced Health and Long-Term Care Minister George
Smitherman today.
"Half a million Ontarians are suffering from osteoporosis and as our
population ages and grows, that number is expected to increase," said
Smitherman. "Our plan is to help prevent osteoporosis and the painful bone
fractures it causes by investing in better prevention, better diagnosis and
better treatment."
The osteoporosis strategy will be supported with a $5 million annual
investment. The strategy has five components:
- Helping prevent the onset of osteoporosis by educating seniors and
school children about bone health
- Improving early diagnosis by ensuring the appropriate use of
bone-density testing
- Integrating services to provide enhanced treatment, including
creation of a province-wide fracture clinic program to improve
diagnosis and prevention of future fractures
- Tools to help practitioners use clinical practice guidelines
- More research to increase knowledge about osteoporosis
"Today's announcement by Minister Smitherman is great news for those
suffering from, or at risk for, osteoporosis in Ontario," said Maureen McTeer,
former National Spokesperson for the Osteoporosis Society of Canada. "It marks
the culmination of more than two years of hard work by the Osteoporosis
Society of Canada, their scientific advisory board, volunteers and members of
the minister's department. The McGuinty government's financial commitment
today will make Ontario a world leader in osteoporosis education, diagnosis
and future treatment."
Osteoporosis affects approximately 530,000 Ontarians. One in four women
and one in eight men over the age of 50 suffer from the disease. There are
more than 57,000 osteoporosis-related bone fractures every year in Ontario,
with a resulting cost to the health care system of some $500-million in
hospitalization and long-term care.
"The strategy being launched today will be a strong ally in the fight
against osteoporosis," said Karen Ormerod, President and CEO of the
Osteoporosis Society of Canada. "Ontarians will benefit greatly from the
government's commitment to help prevent osteoporosis and to provide better
care for those suffering from it."
This news release, along with other media materials, such as reprintable
articles and audio clips on other subjects, are available on our website
at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca under the News Media section.
For more information on achievements in health care, visit:
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca.
Version française disponible
Backgrounder
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ONTARIO OSTEOPOROSIS STRATEGY
On February 22, the McGuinty government launched Ontario's first
comprehensive osteoporosis strategy. The strategy is aimed at preventing
osteoporosis, improving treatment, and reducing fractures that are common
among those suffering from the disease.
The strategy will be supported with an annual investment of $5 million.
It features five components:
Increased awareness and better health promotion. Public education will
improve early recognition of osteoporosis, and emphasize the importance
of physical activity as well as calcium and vitamin D intake for
bone health.
Early diagnosis. Primary care doctors and other health professionals will
be given tools to determine when a person should get a bone mineral
density test, making earlier diagnosis possible.
Best practices. Medical professionals will also be given tools to help
them use clinical practice guidelines to ensure a consistent
province-wide level of care.
Research. More research will expand the knowledge base about
osteoporosis, improving both prevention and treatment in the future.
Improved treatment. The quality of care received by osteoporosis
sufferers will be enhanced through the integration of services in the
system, including:
- Integration of osteoporosis care throughout the various stages of
treatment -- primary care, post-fracture, rehabilitation -- to
ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time, by
the right person
- Creation of a province-wide fracture clinic intervention program
to improve patient referrals for diagnosis, care, treatment, and
prevention of future re-fractures
- Development of self-management programs and resources to help
patients manage their disease and prevent its progression; and,
- Establishment of interdisciplinary teams in academic health
science centres across the province to provide better integrated
care for complex osteoporosis cases.
The osteoporosis strategy has been developed with work undertaken by the
Ontario Women's Health Council, who submitted a report entitled "A Framework
and Strategy for the Prevention and Management of Osteoporosis." In 2001, the
ministry established a committee including the Osteoporosis Society of Canada
and other stakeholders to develop an action plan with specific, feasible
recommendations to advance osteoporosis prevention and care. The osteoporosis
strategy is based on that action plan.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a weakening of the bones, which increases risk of
fractures. The disease is usually associated with the aging process, and is
much more prevalent in women over 50. The disease especially affects women who
have reached menopause. Because women in general have 30 per cent less bone
mass than men, they're more at risk. After menopause, when the hormone
estrogen stops being produced by the ovaries, women's bone mass deteriorates
more quickly. By the age of 65 to 70 years, men and women experience the same
deterioration of bone mass.
Osteoporosis Prevention
Prevention is by far the best strategy to fight osteoporosis, and that
means keeping bones strong. The Osteoporosis Society of Canada recommends
1,000 milligrams elemental calcium daily for men and women between the ages 19
and 49 years, and 1,000 milligrams to 1500 milligrams for men and women over
the age of 50 years. Post-menopausal women not taking hormone replacement
therapy should have 1,500 milligrams elemental calcium daily. Vitamin D, in
daily doses of 400 International Units to 800 International Units, is also
recommended in the treatment of osteoporosis. Vitamin D is necessary so the
body can utilize calcium properly. The Osteoporosis Society of Canada also
recommends doing regular weight-bearing exercise, and maintaining a healthy
lifestyle by not smoking or drinking alcohol to excess.
Response to today's announcement
Jane Pepino, Chair of the Ontario Women's Health Council (OWHC):
"Osteoporosis affects one in four women, and one in eight men, over 50,
so I am pleased to see the government making this disease a provincial
priority. The strategy launched today builds on the recommendations made
in our report, A Framework and Strategy for the Prevention and Management
of Osteoporosis. It will help improve the lives of the Ontario women and
men who are affected by this debilitating disease."
Dr. Earl Bogoch, Orthopaedic Surgeon, St. Michael's Hospital:
"Ontarians suffer more than 57,000 fractures each year as a result of
osteoporosis. Today's announcement means for the first time ever,
substantial efforts and funding will be dedicated to reducing
osteoporosis and preventing related fractures, especially devastating
ones of the hip."
Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou, Associate Professor, Hamilton Health Sciences
and McMaster University: "If ever there is a good time to invest in a
strategy aimed at preventing osteoporosis and related fractures among
Ontarians 45 years and older, now is the time. I have treated too many
patients whose fractures could have been prevented so it makes sense to
have a comprehensive strategy in place to address osteoporosis as
Ontarians age."
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For further information: Members of the media: Eva Lannon, Minister's Office, (416) 327-4320; David Jensen, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, (416) 314-6197; Members of the general public: (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154
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