Don't Fall for These Osteoporosis Myths, or You Can Really Hurt Yourself.

Lifestyle Editors & Health Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2001

Actress Tippi Hedren Says Osteoporosis is for "The Birds" --

So Take Advantage of Orthopaedic Hospital's $49 Screening Today

"Only women are at risk for osteoporosis ..." "There is nothing you can do to prevent it ..." "And there is no need to see a doctor until symptoms occur ..." Osteoporosis sneaks up on millions of Americans every year, most of whom fall for commonly accepted myths like these. This year, in order to set an example for all Americans, Golden Globe Award-winning actress Tippi Hedren teams up with Orthopaedic Hospital to promote the truth about osteoporosis awareness and prevention.

"Many Americans don't get screened because they falsely believe they're not at risk for osteoporosis," said Dr. Robert K. Rude, director of bone and mineral clinic at Orthopaedic Hospital in Los Angeles. "They may not understand that osteoporosis is a silent, progressive disease that depletes bone density long before symptoms are evident. If detected early, the effects of osteoporosis can be prevented and, in some cases, reversed," he added.

Osteoporosis is a crippling bone-thinning disease that afflicts 28 million Americans today, 80% of whom are women. While few realize the importance of routine testings, Dr. Rude recommends that women over the age of 50, who have risk factors for osteoporosis, and all post- menopausal women over the age of 65, be screened for this bone- thinning disease. Men over age 65 should be screened as well.

"Unlike many women, I get tested annually to make sure I'm not at risk for a fracture," said Hedren, who received her first DEXA screening last year at Orthopaedic Hospital, and will again be screened on April 11, 2001, at 10:30 am. "Many women wait to get screened because they don't think it will happen to them, or because they think they can't do anything about it. What they don't know is that testing, along with diet and lifestyle, can go a long way in minimizing the effects of this disease. Living life on a wild animal preserve is extremely active. I must, and want, to stay healthy!" she added.

"People who believe these myths don't know that a simple osteoporosis screening can save them years of suffering," said Dr. Rude. "The procedure itself is painless and fast. While screenings can be done on the heel and wrist, Orthopaedic Hospital offers DEXA bone density testing which scans the hip and spine -- both major sites of osteoporotic fracture. DEXA testing is considered to be the best technique available," he added.

If left untreated or undiagnosed, osteoporosis can lead to serious health problems. Because bones become porous and brittle, osteoporosis results in an estimated 1.5 million fractures each year, most involving the hip, vertebra and wrist. Sadly, it is also estimated that 24% of people die the year after a hip fracture. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, a woman's risk of hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.

In anticipation of National Osteoporosis Prevention Month in May, Orthopaedic Hospital is getting a jumpstart and providing more opportunities for people to be tested. The Hospital is offering DEXA screenings at the low cost of $49, if scheduled in March or April, 2001, and $59, if scheduled during May through September, 2001. The screenings will be interpreted by Dr. Rude. People interested in receiving a low-cost osteoporosis screening can call 213/742-1186 and mention code OPRR.

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Orthopaedic Hospital is a recognized world leader in research, teaching and patient care in orthopaedic medicine, resulting in an improved quality of life for children and adults with crippling diseases. For more information about Orthopaedic Hospital, please visit the website at www.orthohospital.org.

    --  Photos and interviews are available with Tippi Hedren and Dr.
        Robert K. Rude.
    --  Camera crews are welcome to interview/film Tippi Hedren during
        her screening on April 11th, at 10:30 am. The screening will
        take place at:
             Orthopaedic Hospital DEXA Center
             2300 South Flower Street, Suite 100
             Los Angeles, CA  90007
    --  A complete list of Dr. Rude's Osteoporosis Myths are also
        available upon request.