Press Release May 2005

Fabulous for Life Calendar

No ‘bones’ about it – search is on for active seniors!

~ First calendar to recognize Canadians who don’t surrender to osteoporosis ~

Vancouver, British Columbia ( May 4, 2005) – Do you have what it takes to be ‘fabulous for life?’ The search is on! The Osteoporosis Society of Canada (OSC), the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) and Canada’s Association for the Fifty-Plus (CARP) are launching a national campaign to raise awareness about osteoporosis and promote healthy active living. To celebrate those Canadians with osteoporosis who are committed to an active lifestyle, the three organizations are creating the first ever Fabulous for Life calendar. Across the country, the search is on for 12 men and women to be featured in the calendar who have not ‘surrendered’ to their osteoporosis.

“In the Fabulous for Life calendar, we are going to portray men and women in their sixties, seventies and older, who are active in spite of osteoporosis,” says Karen L. Ormerod, President & CEO, the Osteoporosis Society of Canada. “We know that there are many unsung heroes; we would like them to be recognized in the calendar and, perhaps more importantly, inspire other Canadians who suffer from osteoporosis or are at risk of the disease to take steps so they too can be fabulous for life!”

The Fabulous for Life calendar will feature 12 men and women who have osteoporosis or are at risk of the disease but despite this, continue to lead an active lifestyle by involving themselves in sports, community activities, hobbies, travel, volunteer work, etc.

Arresting the “Silent Thief”

Osteoporosis, often known as the “silent thief” because bone loss occurs without symptoms, leads to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture. Osteoporosis has a vast impact on the quality of life of those who have it. If it is not addressed through a healthy lifestyle which includes diet, exercise, calcium and vitamin D, in addition to medication, it can result in disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, reduction or loss of mobility, and decreased independence.

Pat Trimble was diagnosed with osteoporosis at the early age of 55 after suffering from an accident on the tennis court. Now, eight years later, although she has given up competitive tennis playing, she still picks up her racket for a few friendly games and keeps busy entertaining her grandchildren.

“Keeping a healthy and active lifestyle is helping me overcome the physical burden that is often associated with osteoporosis,” says Pat. “I don’t let the fact that I have osteoporosis control my life, and others shouldn’t either. I truly believe the Fabulous for Life calendar is a great way to show people just how active you can be, despite having osteoporosis.”

For the last three years, Pat has been a member of the Vaudevillians – a dance group featuring old-time Vaudeville entertainment, including the Cancan, Charleston and other acts. She rehearses twice a week, three hours at a time and performs close to 24 shows a year. Previously, Pat held the position of the Chair of the Surrey Chapter of the OSC for five years. She wanted to help educate people so they were better prepared than she was for life with osteoporosis.

“It is estimated that 60 per cent of older Canadians are ‘inactive,’ not realizing the health benefits of integrating activity into their daily living,” says Philippe Markon, Chairperson, ALCOA. “People like Pat are true heroes, living an example that many older, and younger, Canadians can learn from.”

About the 2006 Fabulous For Life Calendar

Pat and other osteoporosis conquerors from across the country have teamed up with the OSC, ALCOA and CARP to encourage and motivate other Canadians to make physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual activities a priority – despite osteoporosis or their age.

The calendar will be unveiled in November 2005, during Osteoporosis Month, and will encourage Canadians to support the Osteoporosis Society of Canada and to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle. The calendar will portray men and women from across the country who have not given up to their condition or age, showcasing their personal testimonials for a fabulous life. Each month will also include useful tips for Canadians to improve their bone and overall health.

Judy Cutler, Co-Director of Government and Media Relations, CARP, who is living with osteoporosis explains: “It is never too late. The purpose of the Fabulous for Life calendar is to inspire older men and women to lead more active lives. We don’t expect that everyone will become a body builder or a marathon runner, but making small changes – even as little as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, volunteering or cultivating a hobby can make a difference.”

The search is on!

Nominations that include a short essay (up to 500 words) describing the nominees’ fabulous life – an active lifestyle or special interests – and a photograph can be sent to fabulousforlife@edelman.com; or Fabulous for life, c/o Edelman, 214 King St. West, Suite 600, Toronto, M5H 3S6. The deadline for entries is July 15, 2005. The 12 calendar models will be chosen by the OSC, ALCOA and CARP.

The Osteoporosis Society of Canada

The Osteoporosis Society of Canada (OSC), a national charity, is the leading source for credible information about osteoporosis in Canada. Offering a wide variety of resources and programs to the public and health care professionals, the Society strives to educate, empower and support individuals and communities in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The OSC (www.osteoporosis.ca) envisions a future where all Canadians have access to the best osteoporosis information, care and support so that they can make informed decisions about their bone health, and lead active, independent, and productive lives.

The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults

The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) – a partnership of organizations and individuals having interest in the field of aging – encourages older Canadians to maintain and enhance their well-being and independence through a lifestyle that embraces daily physical activities.

CARP , Canada ’s Association for the Fifty-Plus

CARP is Canada’s Association for the Fifty-Plus. A non-profit organization with 400,000 members across the country, Carp’s mission is to promote and protect the rights and quality of life for older Canadians. For further information on CARP initiatives and membership please visit www.50plus.com/carp/about/main.cfm

For more information please contact:

Patricia Robitaille