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About Osteoporosis Canada
Established in 1982, Osteoporosis Canada, a registered charity, is the
only national organization serving people who have, or are at risk of, osteoporosis. The organization works
to educate, empower and support individuals and communities in the risk-reduction and treatment of
osteoporosis by providing medically accurate information to patients, health professionals and the
public.
A national voluntary Board of Directors governs the organization. A
Scientific Advisory Council made up of medical and scientific experts from across the country provides
guidance in all medical matters. Almost 2 million Canadians suffer from osteoporosis. One in four women and
at least one in eight men over the age of 50 has osteoporosis, however, the disease can strike at any
age.
Osteoporosis Canada’s vision is a Canada without osteoporotic
fractures. There are approximately 27,000 hip fractures per year in Canada; data on spinal
fractures is limited, but it is estimated that 65 per cent of vertebral fractures go undetected. The cost of
treating osteoporosis and the fractures it causes is estimated to be $1.9 billion each year in Canada alone.
Long term, hospital and chronic care account for the majority of these costs.
Osteoporosis Canada's head office is located in Toronto Osteoporosis
Canada's head office is located in Toronto and the organization has 23 chapters and branches across Canada.
There are also a number of support groups which help expand Osteoporosis Canada's reach into Canada's smaller
communities.
Services to Individuals with Osteoporosis and the Public
Osteoporosis Canada provides medically accurate information to people
with osteoporosis, health care professionals and the public. Services to individuals with osteoporosis and
the public include:
- osteoporosis.ca, a website that provides
easy-to-understand information about the risk reduction, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
- Free publications including facts sheets in English, French, Chinese and
Punjabi
- A bilingual toll-free information line (1-800-463-6842 for English and
1-800-977-1778 for French)
- Educational programs including community speaking series
- Referrals to self-help groups and community resources
- Advocacy initiatives such as the first ever report card on osteoporosis
care in Canada, Breaking Barriers, Not Bones to ensure all Canadians have access to
the best osteoporosis care
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