Take Steps Now to Prevent Osteoporosis

The U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis states that, by 2020, half of all Americans over age 50 will be at increased risk for fractures from osteoporosis and low bone mass if no immediate steps are taken. Adults and children need to develop lifestyle habits for healthy bones because the bone mass built during childhood and adolescence helps determine lifetime risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

Three servings a day of dairy play an important role in building bones and helping to reduce the risk of osteoporosis:

• The U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis recognizes the role of nutrients in dairy foods (including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, protein and vitamin D) that work together to help protect bones.
•  According to a recent American Academy of Pediatrics Report Lactose Intolerance in Infants, Children and Adolescents, eating nutrient-rich foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt during childhood and adolescence may help reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life.
• The 2005 Dietary Guidelines  for Americans, encourage the consumption of milk or equivalent milk products for better bone health, especially during childhood.