Describe the Issue or Situation.  Osteoporosis, or low bone mass, affects about 1 in 10 people aged 50 or over in the United States (Healthy People 2030). Weak bones put people at high risk for fractures and serious health problems. It is a “costly and socioeconomic burden in all regions of the world,” according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. There is no cure for osteoporosis, but early screening, prevention, and some treatments can prevent or reduce fracture rates.  

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.  To help reduce osteoporosis risk in Kentucky, the county Extension agent for Family and Consumer Sciences in Letcher County taught fifty participants strategies to eat and exercise for bone health. The lesson also includes tips for preventing falls. Majority of participants were female and ranged in age from 65-74 years of age and majority of participants identified as white, non-Hispanic individuals.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.  

Following the lesson, evaluations were collected from fifty participants.  96% of participants gained a better understanding of what osteoporosis is.   96% of participants can name at least three osteoporosis risk factors as a result of the lesson.  96% of participants can identify three actions that can be taken to keep bones strong. 

 Most importantly, 100% of participants reported they intend to eat bone healthy foods.  100% of participants reported that they intend to perform weight-bearing activities 150 minutes every week to support bone health. 98% of participants report they intend to perform muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week.  94% of participants 65 years and older reported intentions to perform balance activities at least three days a week. Finally, 100         % of participants reported intentions to take precautions to reduce fall risk. 

 Participants specifically shared the most significant things they learned from the lesson were…….  

“More exercise and better food choices”, “Get more active and be more diet conscious”, “Exercise more and eat healthier foods with calcium as I prepare for aging”, “Things I can do to prevent osteoporosis”, “Importance of bone health starting at an early age”, “ Finding out how much calcium per day is needed and the exercise to do daily”, and “The importance of working toward healthier bones, having been diagnosed with osteoporosis in one hip.  This training gave me some more specific ideas to help”.