Dr. Aliza Targets Osteoporosis Among Latinos Article

Working with Latinos contra la Osteoporosis, the Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education (American Bone Health's research foundation) is conducting a major social marketing and awareness campaign about the prevalence of osteoporosis in the Latino Community.

The coalition was recently joined by Dr. Aliza Lifshitz, a top health expert in the Latino community for the past 20 years. Dr. Aliza is especially passionate about osteoporosis. She is a well-known health reporter and radio-television personality has been diagnosed with low bone mass.

"There are things that are within our control and things that are not within our control. I think we should invest our energy on things we can do something about and osteoporosis is one of those things," said the Los Angeles-based physician who has a private practice at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

According to Lifshitz, an increasing number of Latinos are being diagnosed with osteoporosis because they are more sedentary, their diet is becoming Americanized and teens are consuming more soda and less milk.

"People just need to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking," Lifshitz said. "If you eat a well-balanced diet, you may not need additional calcium supplements. But - most people don't get enough calcium."

Other members of Latinos contra la Osteoporosis include La Clinica de La Raza, Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education and the California Hispanic Osteoporosis Foundation. The project is being funded by the John Muir/ Mt. Diablo Community Health Fund.