Quotes

Many global personalities have spoken about osteoporosis. Some of these concerned people have had personal experience with “the silent epidemic”, others have seen how osteoporosis can devastate the lives of their family and friends. They share a common belief that people should recognize whether they have risk factors for osteoporosis and that women and men should take personal responsibility for their bone health.

Here is a selection of statements made by these dedicated individuals.

Osteoporosis advocates speak out

“Osteoporosis will remain as a major health challenge for Asians in the decades to come. We must work with the IOF to generate resources, lobby governments, and empower women in their fight against osteoporosis. ” Alice Chiu, prominent philanthropist, founder and director, Sheen Hok Charitable Foundation, Hong Kong. Message on the occasion of the 2nd IOF Women Leaders Roundtable, 2006

“It does seem incredible that a disease that can be diagnosed and can be successfully treated is not a major health issue. We must do all we can to prevent, treat and ultimately cure this painful and life restricting disease. ” Baroness Julia Cumberlege, member House of Lords, former UK health minister, prominent osteoporosis advocate. Message on the occasion of the 2nd IOF Women Leaders Roundtable, 2006

“There is indeed one thing I have learnt – that an accurate diagnosis, which is relatively simple, can save women from a lot of suffering, fractures and emotional damage.” Carmen Sanchez, osteoporosis patient from Spain, speaking at an IOF press conference held in Brussels

“Policy makers must not ignore the plight of millions of people who will have osteoporotic fractures if nothing is done. We are at a crossroads and need urgent policy changes if we are to avoid an epidemic of osteoporotic fractures.” Daniel Navid, chief executive officer, IOF

“Osteoporosis is one of the world's most common diseases, yet data show that it is severely under-recognized, under-diagnosed and under-treated. IOF seeks to encourage women and men to realize that they can take responsibility for their bone health and not be victims of osteoporosis later in life.” Daniel Navid, chief executive officer, IOF

“The decision makers in the field of health politics are still not taking this widespread disease seriously enough despite its enormous impact on our society.” Dr Rita Süssmith, former president of the German Bundestag, Patron of the National Initiative Against Osteoporosis (NIO) in Germany

“As police officers we have a duty to work for a secure environment. As individuals we have a similar duty to keep our health nourished. The future of India will be based on developing a generation of strong women with strong bones, which is why I’m promoting this mission to fight against osteoporosis. I plea that all women take responsibility for their bone health and learn about their osteoporosis risk factors to prevent rather than lament. Time is of essence.” Dr. Kiran Bedi, the first woman to join the Indian Police Service, is an award-winning advocate for prison and police reform and among the most admired women in India

“Twenty-five years ago, the world's leading experts in cardiovascular diseases warned of an impending epidemic of heart disease in developing countries. This warning was largely ignored and we are now seeing a dramatic increase in prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the developing world. We must not allow the same thing to happen for osteoporosis. We must act now.” Gro Harlem Brundtland, former director general, World Health Organization, in an exclusive interview given to IOF, January 1999

“Although we have effective treatments for osteoporosis, each year millions of our grandmothers are crippled and disfigured because they don't have easy and sufficient access to diagnosis and medication. Osteoporosis has become a large global, social and medical movement. The women who have cared for us now need us to care enough to urge policy-makers to give them access to proven therapies before they break a bone. Today, I join with women across the world to call for an end to this unnecessary suffering.” Her Majesty Queen Rania, IOF patron

“Although we have effective treatments for osteoporosis, each year millions of our grandmothers are crippled and disfigured because they don't have easy and sufficient access to diagnosis and medication.” Her Majesty Queen Rania, speaking at first IOF Women Leaders Roundtable, May 2002, Lisbon, Portugal

“Far too many Europeans at high risk of osteoporosis still suffer needlessly because they did not have timely diagnosis or preventive therapies.” Imelda Read, former member of the European Parliament and founding chair of the EP Osteoporosis Interest Group

“As patron of Osteoporosis Canada for many years, I am pleased that we have successfully changed the image of osteoporosis as a disease of elderly women, a group who historically have had neither economic nor political clout –to a disease that can strike us all whether we are men or women, young or old. ” Maureen McTeer, medical law specialist, human rights advocate, author, patron of Osteoporosis Canada. Message on the occasion of the 2nd IOF Women Leaders Roundtable, 2006

“Osteoporosis and fracture risk are under diagnosed and under treated in the US and world wide. We have the clinical, research, and public health knowledge to improve this, but there is a gap between what we know we need to do and what we are actually doing. ” Prof. Ethel Siris, president of National Osteoporosis Foundation (USA), IOF Board member. Message on the occasion of the IOF Women Leaders Roundtable 2006

“As health minister I came in contact with people affected from osteoporosis. It’s not sufficient to listen to them but to do more. We have to make a change, so I urge policy makers to take action on osteoporosis! It’s really important to eat a balanced diet and exercise. Move it or lose it!” Rita Süssmuth, leading German politician

Celebrities speak out

“Osteoporosis affects one in three women (over the age of 50) – that’s more than get breast cancer. You don’t have to join a circus to get the exercise you need – that’s the good news – just dance, move around, play sports – your bones will appreciate it. “Move it or Lose it”.” Ana Shepherd, circus performer

“I know quite a few people with the illness osteoporosis. It’s very sad to see them suffering so much. I try to help with my food, with my ideas. Most important is proper eating, lots of calcium and vitamin D. Green vegetables, freshly cooked, full of color, full of flavor, full of taste. I think that’s very, very important. Enjoy life, eat well, and Bone Appétit.” Anton Mosimann, master chef

“People are needlessly experiencing pain, fractures and even death due to osteoporosis, a disease that could be treated if people were more aware of the risk factors and symptoms. Osteoporosis is a terrible and debilitating condition, which millions of people are affected by. I encourage women to take control by doing the One Minute Risk Test.” Barbara Windsor, actress, Patron of the National Osteoporosis Society, UK

“I think if you are at high risk of osteoporosis, and even if you are not, you have to look at your health. Keep everything very simple. But you need to eat well, considering things like calcium, vitamin D and so on, and also you need to stay active and just keep the bones and the body moving. Life’s too good to be missing out on it. Healthy bones are the foundation to a healthy body.” Belinda Green, Miss Australia and Miss World in 1972

“I am an actor and staying slim is part of the job, so like most celebrities I have been on a diet for most of my adult life. As a result, my body has been deprived of essential vitamins and nutrients, which no doubt contributed to my osteoporosis. I do worry terribly about today's female celebrities, who are even thinner than our generation was. And the worst thing is that other women feel they have to copy the people they see looking so slim in magazines and in the films.” Britt Ekland, Swedish actress

“I think it is particularly important for young girls and boys to exercise in order to build stronger bones to prevent osteoporosis later in life, because most people reach their peak bone density and strength in their teens and twenties. After peak bone mass is reached, bone density remains stable during adulthood and then declines with age. Weight bearing exercises are essential for building bone density and mass. However, to obtain bone benefits, exercise must be regular.” Chalida Thaochalee, Miss Thailand 1998

“People thought I took a big risk when I sailed around the world by myself. However, there's one thing I don't take risks with, and that's my bone health, because without strong bones I wouldn't have been able to sail across so many seas. I'm not going to take any risks with my bones, and neither should you. Get yourself checked and beat the break, so you can continue doing what you like best. ” Dame Ellen MacArthur, solo long-distance yachtswoman

“I am very interested in fighting against osteoporosis because my great grandmother had the disease. I think that we all can live very nice, but we have to eat well you know, and we have to work out… and even if you don’t like to go to the gym, and lift weights and all of that – you can dance! That’s one of the best ways - you just have to move it, or you’re gonna lose it!” Erika Ender (Panama/Brazil) pop singer

“Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become fragile and fracture easily. It’s like a football team in which the defenders become weakened, and opponents can score easily. That’s a catastrophe. My advice to young girls and boys is to play sports and exercise. “Move it or Lose it”.” Gregory Coupet, footballer, French national team

“There are some things we don't take risks with, like our bone health. Without strong bones, we would not have been able to ride a bobsled for a country without winter. So, take the IOF Osteoporosis Risk Test, it is only one minute. Beat the Break so you too can follow your dreams. Hal and Chris Stokes, Jamaica Bobsled Team ” Hal and Chris Stokes, Jamaica Bobsled Team

“It is very important that we are moving, continually moving. It doesn’t matter what we do; exercise, or playing tennis or soccer. We have to move and it is also good for the muscles, not only for the bones. If you want to prevent osteoporosis do like me: have babies when you are over 60 so they can run you all over the place.” Ilie Nastase, tennis champion

“I think osteoporosis is a serious problem. When you have a lack of calcium you can easily get osteoporosis. We should be more concerned about our daily diet and having more exercise so we can maintain a healthy body. Then you will have more time to take care of your family and bring happiness to everyone.” Jet Li, action film star

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be a candidate for osteoporosis. I know now, I should have paid more attention to my personal risk factors; I should have taken better care of my bones. You know what? So should you. So come on, Beat the Break, take responsibility for your bones. Just talk to your doctor about osteoporosis. ” Joan Rivers, comedienne

“In the UK alone, every three minutes someone breaks a bone because of osteoporosis and we know that unless we take action now, the number of cases will keep rising. I hope that as many people as possible take the one-minute osteoporosis test, so we're all aware of the risk factors that we face.” Joanna Lumley, Supporter of the National Osteoporosis Society, UK

“Patsy (Joanna Lumley’s TV character) is, I'm afraid, very typical of women of a certain age – in a state of denial about her body....take care to find out about osteoporosis and what you can and should do. Get out in the open – be wise....Cheers sweeties!” Joanna Lumley, Supporter of the National Osteoporosis Society, UK

“Worldwide, one out of three women and one out of five men over the age of 50 suffers from osteoporosis. But the good news is that osteoporosis is preventable by eating right, by moving and exercising, and by knowing about it. If you would like to find out more about osteoporosis, visit the International Osteoporosis Foundation's website and take the risk test.” Julie Payette is chief astronaut for the Canadian Space Agency

“Girls often ask what makes someone beautiful. For me, a big part of beauty is being physically fit, healthy, and taking pride in your body and also in your personal values. Don’t let others tell you what you should look like and how you should behave. Don’t be a slave to fashion. My advice is respect yourself, respect your body, and that includes looking after your bones.” Justine Pasek, Miss Panama, Miss Universe 2002

“A lot of women have the misconception that being skinny is beautiful and they go on unnecessary diets and sacrifice their bone health. I think what we should do is actually to eat healthily in order to prevent osteoporosis. I make sure that my family eats properly with a high intake of calcium and vitamin D, which are important in building and maintaining strong bones. Bone Appétit!” Karen Mok, actress and singer

“When I found out that I had osteoporosis, I was pretty shocked. I thought it was, you know, for old ladies basically…but I got diagnosed when I was 37. Osteoporosis has affected my life in many ways. Mainly I’m a lot more aware of my health now. I’m aware of just taking it a little more easy with physical activities, I exercise regularly, I gave up smoking… in fact, I probably feel better now than I have ever felt!” Kirk Pengilly has been with the band INXS since its founding in 1977

“‘While pursuing our dreams and hopes, we tend to forget the importance of our bones, and we end up wearing them out - we realize only when it is too late that we didn’t take care of them. This is why I am participating in this campaign, to shed light on this truth, because if we are aware we can avoid this terrible disease and thereby avoid misery, sadness and a poor quality of life.’” Magida El Roumi, celebrated Lebanese singer

“I hope the campaign will help spread the information and make people take precautions, take a lot of calcium and take care of their health.” Manasnan Panlertwongsakul, Thailand actress

“Even if you have osteoporosis and suffer from pain, exercise can help with rehabilitation. It is never too late to start doing exercise. Consult your doctor and see what type of exercise is best for you and start your exercise program today.” Manolya Onur, Miss Turkey 1975

“Before I was diagnosed, I don’t think I’d ever heard of a man having osteoporosis. It came as a complete shock to me that men even have it. I come about it by being pro-active, by doing weight bearing exercises, by the supplements, by the actual drug that I particularly use, the kind of food that I eat, and I do try and booze a little less. Osteoporosis was just a word before I actually discovered that I actually had it.” Mark Holden, songwriter and performer

“Food rich in calcium and vitamin D can help us to build strong bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Cheese is rich in calcium. I live in France. We have more than 400 varieties of cheese! I enjoy cooking healthy food which includes vitamin D and calcium. Think to do the same at home. Bone Appétit!” Martial Enguehard, Master chef

“I’m very interested in helping to fight osteoporosis because many people, including my mother, suffer from this terrible disease. Eating foods high in calcium, like bok choy, cheese, and broccoli, can help reduce the risk of developing this disease. Use the right ingredients and choose foods that are good for the bones, your body and soul. Bone Appétit!” Martin Yan, Master Chef

“By photographing people in black and white, without the camouflage of clothing or props, viewers can better understand the true nature of osteoporosis. I believe knowledge is the basis of osteoporosis education. The people in this exhibition have shown a large amount of generosity by revealing their physical situation in this way. Through the visual effect of the exhibition they will help other people to find out if they are also exposed to the risk.” Olivieri Toscani, Italian photographer, speaking about his photographic exhibition "Osteoporosis: A Photographic Vision"

“My mother has osteoporosis and every day I feel her pain - she suffers terribly and I just wish that her doctors had told her about osteoporosis risk factors before she started breaking her bones. I now realize that osteoporosis also strikes men - and because I have a family history of osteoporosis I intend to learn more about this disease and get myself checked before it gets to me.” Paolo Rossi, Italian footballer, scored three goals to win World Cup for Italy in 1982

“Regular exercise is important in maintaining bone strength. All men should be aware of their osteoporosis risks. Give osteoporosis the red card.” Paolo Rossi, Italian footballer, scored three goals to win World Cup for Italy in 1982

“Many young girls tends to lose weight to look slim, but this puts their health at risk. I think that women have to recognize that beauty is partly physical but also made up of inner beauty that includes taking responsibility for their health. A healthy diet and lifestyle, as well as regular exercise are critical to bone health.” Pavadee Vicheinrut, Miss Thailand, Mrs World 2003

“My biggest message today is to encourage women to take charge of their health. Don’t be an observer, be a participant, and don’t procrastinate about ANY of your checkups, including bone density tests.” Peggy Fleming, Olympic Gold Medalist and former world champion in figure skating, TV sports analyst, osteoporosis advocate Message on the occasion of the 2nd IOF Women Leaders Roundtable, 2006

“My philosophy is to cook food that is balanced and healthy, using seasonal ingredients. I’m interested in osteoporosis because it affects one woman in three and one man in five (over the age of 50). There is a link between osteoporosis and nutrition because food that is rich in calcium and vitamin D can strengthen the bones. Bone Appétit.” Philipe Chevrier, master chef

“I have several people in my family who have osteoporosis. I think that women have to take more responsibility about their bones. More women get osteoporosis than breast cancer. When I was competing at Miss Venezuela and Miss World, I used to love to run, play basket ball, volley ball. My advice is move it, or lose it! Muévelo o piérdelo!” Pilin Leon, Miss Venezuela and Miss World in 1981

“Around the world, osteoporosis affects one in three women (over the age of 50). As a traditional Javanese dancer, I realize how important it is to have strong bones. It is also important to do physical exercise regularly. Eat food rich in calcium and other bone nutrients early on to build strong bones.” Retno Maruti, traditional Javanese dancer

“As a mother and chef I pay close attention to the food I present to my children and my audience. It’s important to prevent all diseases. Our body needs calcium and other nutrients in order to keep strong and healthy bones. We should not neglect our bone health. Let’s cook nutritious and delicious dishes. Bone Appétit!” Silvia Valdemoros, Master Chef

“Hi guys! I'm Sportacus from LazyTown! To be a super hero, I need lots of energy and my bones have to be strong! If you want to be a super hero too, then get up and get moving! And make sure you eat lots of foods with calcium, like milk, cheese and yogurt! Then you'll never be a LazyBones! Come on, let's move!” Sportacus, Hero of children's program 'Lazytown'

“I was first confronted with osteoporosis when my mother was diagnosed with it. The impact of osteoporosis nationally and globally, is quite incredible. I have two young girls, and I am extremely aware that what they eat and the way that they behave now – what they put into their bones now is going to have an effect on them later on. It’s move it or lose it – you need to exercise!” Trudie Goodwin became famous for playing Sergeant June Ackland on the popular UK TV series "The Bill"

“I encourage young girls and boys to realize that the way they treat their bodies will have a big impact later in life. I know that teenagers consider themselves 'invincible', and I was that way too, of course. But it isn’t difficult to 'invest in your bones'. Don’t buy into the myth of starving yourself. Don’t be a couch potato. Eat wisely, get outside and have fun. Your body will thank you in a few years.” Ulla Weigerstorfer, Miss Austria, Miss World 1987

Experts speak out

“"Osteoporosis is a major public health problem with serious medical and economic impact. While there have been many advances in the management of osteoporosis over the past 10 years, important care gaps still exist."” John A. Kanis, IOF President

“Since a first fracture is rapidly followed by more fractures, it is critical that healthcare policies promote the detection of osteoporosis before the first fracture occurs. ” Juliet Compston, IOF board member

“Through its international Board, IOF has achieved a truly global perspective in its fight against osteoporosis” Pierre D. Delmas, Honorary President, International Osteoporosis Foundation

“It's crucial that we diagnose and treat women before they have a fracture. If we don't stop the first fracture, it's often only a matter of time before the patient suffers a second, third, even fourth fracture, experiences significant pain and becomes debilitated and demoralized.” Pierre D. Delmas, Honorary President, International Osteoporosis Foundation

“IOF's scientific members carry out a broad range of research projects, participate in educational programs and provide valuable support to the patient movement.” René Rizzoli, IOF Treasurer and CSA Vice-Chair