Listen to the podcast: Osteoporosis Prevention
Written by Stacy Daniels; Edited by Linda Bobroff

People sometimes kid about women shrinking as they get older, but unfortunately it’s all too true for millions of Americans who suffer from the bone-robbing disease, osteoporosis.

The U.S. Surgeon General recently reported that ten million Americans over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis, and 34 million are at risk of developing the disease. The physical and fiscal costs can be devastating to families. Although building strong bones begins when we are very young, it’s never to late to work to prevent osteoporosis.

First, eat foods that are good sources of calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is found in dairy products as well as leafy green vegetables and fortified foods and drinks – even orange juice!.Vitamin D also is found in fortified foods and drinks and is produced when our skin is exposed to sunlight. As we age, ourneed for vitamin D increases and supplements may be needed.

For bone health, strive for a healthy weight and exercise regularly. The Department of Health and Human Services suggests at least 30 minutes a day for adults, and 60 for children. Weight bearing exercises like walking, dancing and strength training, are recommended.

Bone health begins when you are young, but maintaining it is a lifelong goal. So, whether it’s your 3-year-old son, teenage daughter, elderly aunt, or even yourself, make sure you and your family take steps to protect yourselves from osteoporosis. As Health and Human Services Secretary Thompson has said, “You are never too old or too young to improve your bone health.”

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Resources

Linda B. Bobroff and Joan Grabel Papadi, "Prevent Osteoporosis: Catch the Silent Thief" EDIS, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY4699

Sergio Romero, "Fall Prevention: Who's at Risk?" EDIS, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, University of Florida. (accessed May 25, 2006)

osteoporosis, bone health, women, aging, milk, elderly, exercise, weight, health, Family Album Radio