According to the National Institute of Health, bone tissue grows until peak mass at around the age of 30. The more bone you have at the time of peak bone mass, the less likely you are to break a bone or get osteoporosis later in life. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. This results in bone weakness. Because we often think of osteoporosis as an older person’s disease, parents may not realize that the prevention of osteoporosis begins by building a foundation for strong bones in childhood, the time when bones are still developing. While genetics certainly play a role in the strength of our skeletal system, healthy lifestyle choices make a difference!
- Ensure a healthy diet by consuming calcium, Vitamin D, and protein in recommended amounts.
- Avoid unhealthy habits by refraining from caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and soft drinks.
- Get active with regular exercise.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. The pediatrician will be able to evaluate your child’s body mass index.
Many thanks to The New York Yankees Tampa Foundation and AlphaGraphics for supporting bone health education in our communities!
