PITTSBURGH, PA, June 2003 - Fifty-five percent of Americans aged 50 and over have either osteoporosis or low bone mass.1 These bone health issues can arise from a host of factors, including less than optimal calcium intakes. Joint problems are also prevalent among persons aged 60 and older.2 Worldwide, conditions relating to bones, muscles and joints are the most common cause of physical disability and severe long-term pain, which has led the World Health Organization along with the United Nations and forty-six countries, including the U.S., to proclaim the years 2000-2010 as the Bone and Joint Decade.3

An Ounce of Prevention
Many bone and joint problems are degenerative, meaning they can worsen gradually over time. The good news is that there are measures adults can take in their 30s and 40s as well as in their 50s to help maintain bone and joint health.

Proper calcium intake is essential to maintaining strong, healthy bones. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, the maker of Os-Cal calcium supplements, has developed new Os-Cal Ultra, Os-Cal's most complete bone health supplement. Os-Cal Ultra contains 600 mg of highly absorbable calcium carbonate and vitamin D, as well as antioxidant vitamins C and E, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and boron. These nine nutrients are individually recognized as key to helping enhance overall bone health.

In addition to helping maintain bone health, new Os-Cal Ultra is the only leading calcium supplement with vitamins C and E, individually recognized as helping to aid joint health. These antioxidants are critical to helping protect the body's cells and tissues, including the collagen in bones and in joint cartilage. Collagen is essential for proper bone formation as well as maintenance of joint health and flexibility. Antioxidants help maintain bone and joint health and help delay the cartilage deterioration that may occur with age.

"Some epidemiological studies show that higher intakes of antioxidant vitamins C and E are associated with better joint health and reduced risk of bone and joint conditions," said Dr. Pamela Peeke, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "And many clinical studies demonstrate the crucial role calcium and vitamin D play in building and maintaining strong, dense bones. The unique advantage of Os-Cal Ultra is that it combines calcium, vitamins D, C, and E, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese and boron together in one convenient, high-quality supplement."

Bone and Joint Wellness.A Key to Aging Gracefully
Poor bone health has a huge impact on society. In the U.S. alone, about 36 million people suffer from musculoskeletal impairment that hinders their ability to perform even routine tasks of daily life. In addition, musculoskeletal conditions account for more than 131 million, or nearly 15%, of all patient visits to healthcare providers in the U.S. annually.4 Daily calcium supplementation can help to maintain optimal levels of bone mass thus helping to decrease the likelihood of poor bone health.

Just as bone health is crucial, so is joint health, as it enables freedom of movement without discomfort. Joint problems, such as those to the knee and elbow, are often associated with aging, as many adults suffer from lack of mobility. It is estimated that 62 million Americans will be age 65 or older in 2025, compared to 35 million today.5 Regular exercise and a proper diet, including calcium plus the other essential nutrients found in Os-Cal Ultra, can help today's adults maintain their bone and joint health.6

"Os-Cal Ultra is designed for those who are interested in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and freedom of movement," said Kathy Yoder, Os-Cal Brand Manager. "Adults in their 30s and 40s, as well as in their 50s, can take measures to help preserve bone and joint health. There is an added advantage to taking Os-Cal Ultra and participating in an exercise routine to help meet those specific health needs. That's why we commissioned the development of Os-Cal Ultra Yogilates, a specialized exercise regimen, designed to benefit joint mobility, overall bone strength and balance."

New Os-Cal Ultra Fitness Regimen to Maximize Strength and Flexibility
In addition to adequate nutrient intake, research has shown that weight-bearing exercise is also an important component in building strong bones and healthy joints. The makers of Os-Cal Ultra have commissioned a new fitness regimen, Os-Cal Ultra Yogilates (yo - guh - lah - teez), to complement the only leading calcium formulation dedicated to bone and joint health. Developed by Yogilates® creator Jonathan Urla, Os-Cal Ultra Yogilates is comprised of nine simple weight-bearing movements designed to help ensure bone strength and flexibility. Os-Cal Ultra Yogilates, a combination of yoga and Pilates, is an ideal exercise routine designed for people of different ages and abilities. Weight-bearing exercises, like those found in this regimen, require the body to work against gravity. Such exercises include any activity in which the feet, legs, or arms carry their own weight, such as jogging, jumping rope and stair climbing. It is important that individuals consult a physician prior to beginning a new exercise program, or restarting one after a period of inactivity.

Consumers can visit www.os-cal.com to learn more about Os-Cal Ultra and Os-Cal Ultra Yogilates, including downloading the fitness regimen. For more information on Os-Cal Ultra Yogilates creator Jonathan Urla, please visit www.yogilates.com.

Buy OsCal Ultra at MenopauseRx by clicking here -or- visiting our online store at: www.MenopauseRx.com/pharmacy/index.htm

About Os-Cal
Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Os-Cal is the brand preferred by doctors for women at risk of osteoporosis and has been clinically proven effective in more studies than any other calcium brand. All Os-Cal products are quality-tested to meet USP dissolution standards.

For questions or comments about Os-Cal Ultra and Os-Cal Ultra Yogilates please call 1-800-245-1040. Information is also available at the Os-Cal Web site at www.os-cal.com and at the Calcium Information Web site at www.calciuminfo.com.

About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter healthcare companies and it also ranks second globally in sales of oral care products. Its more than 30 well-known products include such medicine cabinet staples as Tums, Aquafresh, Nicorette, NicoDerm CQ, Oxy, Sensodyne, Abreva and Os-Cal.

About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline-one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies-is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

Reference
1 National Osteoporosis Foundation
2 The Bone and Joint Decade Consensus Document
3 "
4 "
5 America's Seniors and Medicare: Challenges for Today and Tomorrow
6 National Osteoporosis Foundation