Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention


Osteoporosis is known as a “pediatric disease” with a “geriatric outcome.” Building strong bones during the “tween” and teen years, when bones are growing their fastest, is the best way to reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

Bone is living tissue. Throughout life we are constantly forming new bone while losing old bone. However, unlike adults, children and teens form new bone faster than they lose old bone. In other words, bones grow their fastest. About 85 percent to 90 percent of adult bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and age 20 in boys.

While it takes calcium to build strong bones, other nutrients are important for bone health, too. Dairy provides a unique package of bone-building nutrients not found in most foods, including calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and protein. Science supports the beneficial role of dairy foods and dairy food nutrients in bone health. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans states “the consumption of milk products is especially important for children and adolescents who are building their peak bone mass and developing lifelong habits.”1

Children and teens have calcium needs they can’t make up for later in life. By eating at least three servings of lowfat or fat-free milk, yogurt or cheese every day as part of an overall healthful diet, children and teens can build stronger bones now and help avoid the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

As an educator, you play an important role in helping your students understand the importance of getting the calcium they need. Below are easy-to-use lesson plans and resources to help teach your students about calcium’s role in nutrition and bone health.

Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Classroom Activities

3-A-Day™ of Dairy Lessons
Bone-building lessons for second- and fourth-grade students

Bridges to Wellness™
Hands-on lessons for grades 5 to 10 based on the 3-A-Day™ of Dairy nutrient package

CALCIUM: Are You Getting Your Fair Share?
Two-part lesson plan for high school students addressing calcium needs 

Milk Matters
Classroom activities and supplemental classroom materials

Reproducible masters:

1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005. 6th ed. Washington D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, January 2005.