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Powerful Girls Have Powerful Bones.
 The
National Osteoporosis Foundation is
proud to partner with the Center's for
Disease Control and Prevention and the
Department of Health and Human Service's
Office on Women's Health to promote the
National Bone Health Campaign (NBHC).
The NBHC is a multi-year campaign to
promote optimal bone health in girls
9-12 years old, and thus reduce their
risk of osteoporosis later in life. The
goal is to educate and encourage young
girls to establish lifelong healthy
habits, especially increased calcium
consumption and physical activity to
build and maintain strong bones. In
addition to girls 9-12 years old, the
campaign will target adults who
influence them, including parents,
teachers, coaches, youth group leaders
and health care professionals.
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects
10 million Americans, most of whom are
women. An additional 18 million
Americans already have low bone mass,
osteopenia, that places them at
increased risk. Osteoporosis can cause
crippling fractures and a resultant loss
of independence. Early intervention is
vital because adolescence is a critical
period for bone growth. By age 20, the
average woman has attained most of her
skeletal mass. Girls who consume
sufficient calcium and regularly
participate in vigorous physical
activity can develop stronger, denser
bones.
Learn
more about this important campaign and
the innovative games and nutrition
quizzes available on the 'Powerful
Bones' Web site. Visit
www.cdc.gov/powerfulbones for more
information. |
