Public Law 99–42

Joint Resolution

To designate the week of May 20, 1985, through May 26, 1985, as “National Osteoporosis Awareness Week”.

Whereas fifteen to twenty million persons in the United States are afflicted with osteoporosis, a degenerative bone condition;

Whereas approximately 25 percent of postmenopausal women in the United States develop osteoporosis;

Whereas among those who live to be age ninety, 32 percent of women and 17 percent of men will suffer a hip fracture due mostly to osteoporosis;

Whereas more than fifty thousand older women and many older men die each year in the United States as a result of such complications;

Whereas hip fracture complications related to osteoporosis often result in loss of independence for older persons;

Whereas approximately $3,800,000,000 is expended annually in the United States for health care costs relating to osteoporosis;

Whereas osteoporosis is associated with the loss of bone tissue by estrogen lack and low calcium intake;

Whereas the majority of men and women are unaware of the condition of osteoporosis; arid

Whereas the best treatment for osteoporosis is prevention through education: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

Approved May 20, 1985.