That's right, T-score. If you had to think twice about what a T-score is - and no, it's not a golf term - chances are you are not alone.

"Fit to a T" is the USBJD's response to the Surgeon General's first-ever report on bone health and osteoporosis. In partnership with the Public Library Association and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine this education program is called "Fit to a T" because the T-score is the measure of a person's bone density and susceptibility to fragility fracture.

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent bone condition among Americans with nearly one in two women, and one in four men, likely to suffer from it in their lifetime. Osteoporosis is debilitating, reducing a person's freedom of movement, and leads to high incidences of hip and spine fractures. Prevention education is essential to lowering the burden of disease.

Although relevant and applicable to people of all ages, the program is especially aimed at men and women in the mid-40s to late 60s, as well as people who are highly susceptible to osteoporotic fractures or have experienced a break.  The goal is to reach people before they have a fracture, so they can take necessary steps to prevent bone disease and make changes in their lives to alter the course of the condition.

Education sessions are conducted primarily at community public libraries, but can be offered at other venues, such as health/fitness centers, or at companies.  The one-hour program - aimed at the general public - focuses on bone health, osteoporosis, how to avoid fragility fractures, and provides information needed to make informed decisions on bone health. 

At each session, a medical expert, a health information specialist/librarian and a patient team up to present the program.  The sessions feature a presentation, live demonstration on health resources through libraries and MedlinePlus, collateral materials, discussion, and a question/ answer period.  The Surgeon's General's "What it Means to You," and posters are distributed as educational materials. Material includes resources available through the library where the session is being held.

Click here to view upcoming sessions.

Click here to view How To Schedule a Session.

Click on the side buttons to view "What You Need to Know About Your Bone Health" and other tips and resources.

Program Goals

The USBJD has launched this effort to generate awareness and understanding about these important issues and to help reduce the 1.5 million fractures that occur annually. 

Specifically, we want session participants to:

• Learn how to make an assessment of their living environment and risk for fracture
• Understand the basics about bone health in order to be able to discuss this with their primary care physician
• Acquire the skills needed to identify quality consumer health information
• Discuss these issues with family, friends and colleagues of all ages
• Participate in an assessment of the program's effectiveness (i.e., in six months or a year)

Key Messages

·         Osteoporosis and other bone diseases are debilitating and can cause pain, loss of mobility and independence, deformity and mortality (contributing to a poor quality of life)

·         The disorder affects men and women of all races and ages (it doesn't just affect women)

·         Education with a focus on information gathering skills and prevention can help alter the course of the disease (it's not too late to make changes)

·         Americans can have strong bones and live healthy, independent and productive lives (through better awareness and education)

Background on osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent bone condition among Americans with nearly one in two women, and one in four men, likely to suffer from it in their lifetime. Osteoporosis is debilitating, reducing a person's freedom of movement, and leads to high incidences of hip and spine fractures. Prevention education is essential to lowering the burden of disease.

The Surgeon General's report on bone health and osteoporosis, released October 2004, is the first-ever Surgeon General's Report on this topic. Surgeon General Reports identify the relevant scientific data, rigorously evaluate and summarize the evidence, and determine conclusions. The Report is a starting point for concentrated national action to understand, prevent, diagnose, and treat bone diseases. The risks associated with poor bone health are high. By 2020, half of all American citizens older than 50 will be at risk for fractures from osteoporosis and low bone mass if no immediate action is taken by individuals at risk, health care professionals, health systems, and policymakers. 10 million Americans over the age of 50 have osteoporosis, the most common bone disease. Another 34 million are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Each year, roughly 1.5 million people suffer a bone fracture related to osteoporosis. The costs are tremendous: Approximately 20 percent of senior citizens who suffer a hip fracture die within a year of fracture. Thirty years ago, doctors thought weak bones and osteoporosis were a natural part of aging, but today we know that we can do something about them. Research remains a critical component of our plans to prevent and reduce bone disease in America. But research alone cannot ensure that the appropriate actions are taken to prevent osteoporosis and other bone diseases. Americans need to learn that they are never too old or too young to improve their bone health. The Surgeon General is America's chief health educator. Surgeon General reports have always played a critical role in promoting good health and safety. In 1964, for example, the first Surgeon General's report on smoking announced medical research showing that smoking was a definite cause of lung cancer. At the time, this was ground-breaking information. And the Surgeon General's endorsement gave it significant credibility and public attention. That report led to many education programs to explain the risks of smoking.