HC Deb 07 April 2003 vol 403 cc108-9W
Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to increase the awareness amongst women and girls of the risks of osteoporosis. [106634]

Jacqui Smith

The Department works closely with and provides funding through the Section 64 General Scheme to the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS). NOS is the leading body in this field and produces a range of information leaflets and offers an advice helpline. For the majority of the population, preventative measures of a balanced diet, exercise, ceasing smoking and reducing alcohol intake prove sufficient. The Government has tackled increasing awareness and the importance of adopting these public health measures in a wide variety of ways in recent years.