How Healthy Are Your Bones?

The U.S. Surgeon General is concerned. In a recent report, the Surgeon General warned that millions of American women and men are at risk for osteoporosis or low bone mass. Learn how to take steps to keep your bones strong!

Lawrence Raisz, M.D., director of the UConn Center for Osteoporosis and associate director of the New England Musculoskeletal Institute, served as scientific editor of this report. Dr. Raisz strongly encourages men and women to follow recommendations from the report:

• Getting the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. High levels of calcium can be found in milk, leafy green vegetables, soybeans, yogurt and cheese. Vitamin D is produced in the skin by exposure to the sun and is found in fortified milk and other foods. For individuals who are not getting enough calcium and vitamin D in the diet, supplements may be helpful. The average adult under 50 needs about 1000mg of calcium per day and 200 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D (one cup of vitamin D fortified milk provides 302 mg of calcium and 50 IU of Vitamin D).
• Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active at least 30 minutes a day for adults and 60 minutes a day for children, including weight-bearing activities to improve strength and balance.
• Taking steps to minimize the risk of falls by removing items that might cause tripping, improving lighting, and encouraging regular exercise and vision tests to improve balance and coordination.

To read the full report, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov.