Surgeon General: Act now, as we know more than enough.

While genetic factors play a significant role in determining bone mass, controllable
lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activitycan mean the difference between a frail
and strong skeleton.

There is much that individuals can do to promote their own bone health, beginning in
childhood and continuing into old age. These activities contribute not only to bone health,
but to overall health and vitality.

While much valuable work is already underway, more needs to be done to change the
perception that osteoporosis is an inevitable part of aging. On the contrary, like heart
disease, it needs to be thought of as a preventable chronic disease, the roots of which begin at a fairly young age even though symptoms may not manifest until later in life.

Recommendations:

• Proper nutrients - from a well-balanced diet containing a variety of foods including grains, fruits and vegetables, nonfat or lowfat dairy products or other calcium-rich foods, and meat or beans each day.
• Vitamin D  -available in supplementsfor those unable to get enough through sunshine and diet.
• Physical activity - 30 minutes a day for adults and 60 minutes for children as well as specific strength- and weight-bearing activities critical to building and maintaining, bone mass throughout life.
• See a health care provider if they have a medical condition or use medications that can affect the skeleton. Women should also see their health care provider if menstrual periods stop for 3 months.

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