Many people think of osteoporosis as a disease that affects only the elderly. In reality, it is a childhood disease with adult consequences.
 
The critical years for building bone mass are from pre-teen to about age 30. If young people do not build bone mass during this time, they are more likely to suffer from low bone mass and osteoporosis in their later adult years.
 
We can think of our bones as a bank account. We have only as much bone mass in our account as we deposit in the form of calcium-rich foods. Osteoporosis develops when old bone is removed faster than it is replaced.

Osteoporosis actually means porous bones and is a painful, disfiguring disease in which bone density gradually decreases. As a result, bones become weak and fracture easily. Calcium can drain out of bones for years before the person is even aware of the problem.
 
According to “America’s Bone Health: The State of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass In Our Nation,” more than 10 million people already have osteoporosis, and about 80 percent of these people are women.

Certain risk factors are linked to osteoporosis. The more risk factors you have, the greater at risk you are for developing the disease. Some risk factors cannot be changed; others  can be. Recognizing these factors will help you take steps to avoid the damaging consequences of this disease. Here is a list of risk factors:

• Advanced Age – Bones become less dense and weaker as you age.
• Being Female – Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis.
• Ethnic Heritage – Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop the disease.
• Body Size – Small-boned and thin women are at greater risk because they have less bone mass.
• Low Estrogen Level
• Family History – Susceptibility to fracture may be in part hereditary.
• Consuming a diet low in calcium and vitamin D
• Inadequate Exercise
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Prolonged use of some medications; check with your doctor.

Building strong bones before age 30 can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis. A healthy lifestyle is critical for this and includes proper diet and exercise. Calcium-rich foods should be part of your diet at least two to three times per day. Milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli and calcium-fortified foods are all good sources of calcium.
 
A Banana Malt Shake is a great way to get kids and teen to drink more milk. One (8-ounce) cup of milk contains about 300 milligrams of calcium. Check out the “Calcium Needs” chart to see how much calcium you need daily.

If your age is:	You need this much calcium:
1 – 3	500 milligrams
4 – 8	800 milligrams
9 – 18	1,300 milligrams
19 – 50	1,000 milligrams
51 +	1,200 milligrams

Banana Malt Shake

1 banana 1 large scoop vanilla ice cream

1/2 cup milk 2 tablespoons powdered malt

Slice banana into a blender. Add ice cream, milk and malt powder. Blend until smooth and creamy.