It pays to look after your bones!

Osteoporosis, defined as abnormally low bone density, results in increased risk of fractures with consequent increase in morbidity and mortality. An important determinant of age‐related fractures is low bone density. Current public health strategies aim to maximize bone mass in elderly people, yet the bone mass obtained in the first three decades of life is a major determinant of bone mass later. Up to half the variation in peak adult bone mass among women is non‐genetic and is influenced by lifestyle factors such as physical activity, calcium nutrition and sex hormone status. These factors were studied in surveys of a school age population of girls in Bournemouth. Using a seven‐day dietary diary, the mean daily calcium intake of 11‐12 year olds was calculated as 692.9mg (SD 209.91mg). Of the total population surveyed, 14.6 per cent had calcium intakes below the UK dietary reference values. Up to 1,500mg calcium per day in adolescence has been recommended to increase peak bone mineral density. Weight bearing activity accounted for approximately 16 per cent of daily activities. Additional information was collected on perception of body weight and dieting habits. An osteoporosis prevention health education package was produced for local teenage school children with the message that “It Pays to Look after Your Bones!” by promoting calcium nutrition and exercise.