/UCWE/ - Did you know most Americans are not aware of their risk for osteoporosis or the steps they can take to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease? In the United States alone there are almost 35 million people living with the disease and that number continues to grow due in large part to ignorance.

In her fascinating new book, "Faces of Osteoporosis", renowned photographer Amelia Davis turns her lens on those living with osteoporotic disease. The book is being released to coincide with National Osteoporosis Prevention Month this May 2006. This annual campaign aims to increase people's knowledge of the brittle bone disease osteoporosis, so that individuals can take steps to prevent, or at least minimize its effects. Ms. Davis joins in this effort to educate the public about the importance of preventing and treating osteoporosis to preserve bone health with this new beautiful work.

She communicates the important message that osteoporosis affects both women and men across the life span, is both preventable and treatable, and should not be considered part of normal aging.

Senator Diane Feinstein had this to say about Faces of Osteoporosis: “This important book documents the stories of people who are living with osteoporosis. The book will help you understand the silent and devastating impact of the disease. I hope that you will learn from these brave individuals who share their stories with you. We must educate and empower people through knowledge. Together, I hope we can eliminate osteoporosis as a major health problem.”

The book’s beautiful photographs and candid personal stories will have a positive affect on the way people view individuals with osteoporosis, and serve as a touchstone for those living with this condition.

A San Francisco native, Amelia Davis’s photography has been featured in fine art galleries, universities, and medical symposia, and been published in literary and art magazines internationally. She is the author and photographer of the award-winning "The First Look", a photographic essay on breast cancer survivors who opted for mastectomy.

Her second critically acclaimed book, "My Story: A Photographic Essay on Life with Multiple Sclerosis" was a very personal look in words and pictures at multiple sclerosis. Amelia herself was diagnosed with MS in 1998.

"Faces of Osteoporosis" will be available this spring in quality trade paperback for a list price of $21.95. It is published by Demos Medical Publishing, distributed by Publishers Group West and is also available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and all major bookstores.