Fact Sheet

Key Findings from
The National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC)
Survey on Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk

September 13, 2004 to October 12, 2004

The survey was conducted online through www.healthywomen.org, the web site of the National Women's Health Resource Center. It was funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Kyphon Inc.

45% of the respondents were above the age of 50 and 26% were above the age of 40.

14% had been diagnosed with osteoporosis.

80% knew that the annual number of fractures related to osteoporosis is greater than the number of heart attacks, strokes and cases of breast cancer in women combined.

Slightly more than half (54%) knew that excessive curvature of the spine (also known as "Dowager's Hump") is a long-term effect of osteoporosis that makes it progressively difficult to breathe, walk, eat and sleep due to pain and the unnatural compression of the spine.

85% said they had made some lifestyle changes (more calcium, weight-bearing exercise) because of osteoporosis but only 9% said they had made major changes.

Two-thirds said they do regular, weight-bearing exercise to slow down the effects of osteoporosis.

Only 15% knew that there is a medical procedure called balloon kyphoplasty that can help to correct the deformity and reduce the pain of spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis.

About the NWHRC
The National Women's Health Resource Center is the nation's leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to educating women of all ages about health and wellness issues. Its programs include publications such as a bimonthly newsletter, the National Women's Health Report, public education campaigns, its web site, www.healthywomen.org, and a new email newsletter entitled "HealthyWomen Take 10."