New Foundation Focuses On Combating Bone Trauma

Dr. Matthew L. Jimenez, a physician with the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, has launched a new foundation designed to combat fragility fractures caused by low-impact falls.

Morton Grove, IL (PRWEB) May 22, 2009 -- Dr. Matthew L. Jimenez, a physician with the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, has launched a new foundation designed to combat fragility fractures caused by low-impact falls.

Incorporated in December 2008, the Foundation for Education and Musculoskeletal Research (FEMR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity serving Chicago-area residents. FEMR's mission is to become a community resource to increase osteoporosis awareness and prevent disabilities related to bone trauma.

"Each year in the United States more than 11 million senior citizens or one out of every three people older than 65 years of age fall," said Dr. Jimenez. "These low-impact falls are the leading cause of injuries to senior citizens. Treatment of the injuries and complications associated with falls costs the United States more than $20.2 billion annually."

The development of high-quality prevention programs envisioned by Dr. Jimenez will require a sizeable budget funded by individual donors and corporate sponsors. Tax-deductible donations raised by FEMR will be directed to community education and research to improve bone health for current and future generations.

Dr. Jimenez is optimistic that the Foundation's mission and goals are solid and that potential supporters will recognize the value and benefits of the community programs that are currently in development. Some of FEMR's long-range goals in public awareness include supporting bone health awareness through educational courses and promotional events jointly-sponsored with local businesses and institutions as well as distribution materials that highlight fall and fracture prevention.

The Foundation will also promote increased awareness in the healthcare community. Efforts will be made to form strategic alliances with local and national organizations to promote musculoskeletal health as well as foster continuing education and training for health care professionals. The group will advance clinical research in the treatment of osteoporosis and fragility fractures as well as adopt and promote guidelines for screening and treatment of bone-related conditions. The Foundation will also encourage increased funding for bone health initiatives at the local, state and federal levels.

The Illinois Bone & Joint Institute is an orthopaedic medical practice that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. IBJI has over 90 physicians and 90 rehabilitation therapists at over 25 locations throughout the Chicagoland area.

For additional information about FEMR, visit www.boneknowledge.org, call toll-free 1-877-321-FEMR or contact Dr. Jimenez's staff at the IBJI Morton Grove office at 847-324-3937. For further information on the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute write to Illinois Bone & Joint Institute 8930 Waukegan Road Suite 200 Morton Grove, IL 60053, call 847-324-3975 or visit http://www.ibji.com.

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