103 STAT. 3042 PROCLAMATION 5981—MAY 17, 1989 NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Friday, May 19, 1989, as National De- fense Transportation Day and the week beginning May 14, 1989, as Na- tional Transportation Week. I urge all oxir people to observe these oc- casions with appropriate ceremonies that will give full recognition to the citizens and organizations who maintain our great modern transpor- tation system and with it all its many benefits for domestic life and the national defense. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereimto set my hand sixteenth this day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hun- dred and thirteenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 5981 of May 17, 1989 ^ National Osteoporosis Prevention Week, 1989 and 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Each year, more and more Americans become familiar with the medi- cal term "osteoporosis." Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is actually a common disease that afflicts approximately 25 million Americans. It is often called the "silent disease" because it develops over many years without symptoms. This silent disease is the leading cause of bone fractures in postmenopausal women in particular, and in elderly per- sons in general. In fact, osteoporosis causes more than 1.3 million frac- tures of the spine, wrist, and hips each year. The impact on individuals and society in terms of physical, emotional, and financial suffering is enormous. Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures cost the Nation an estimated $10 billion annually. Fortimately, we now know that fractures caused by osteoporosis may be prevent- able. To reduce the risks of developing osteoporosis, we must begin a healthy regimen early in life. It is important to build the maximimi amount of bone mass possible during childhood and adolescence and to keep our bones strong during adultiiood. In our later years, it is par- ticularly important to prevent the falls and accidents that can lead to bone fractures. Research has shown that, before an individual is 35 years old, moder- ate exercise and proper nutrition—^including an adequate intake of cal- cium—^may help to build bone mass. Other investigations have indicat- ed that, for postmenopausal women, esfrogen replacement therapy, a sufficient supply of calcium, and regular weight-bearing exercise all help to curb the rate of bone loss. New scientific, medical, and educational approaches to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis will help to improve the health of all Americans. As individuals, each of us can protect ourselves and our
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