Osteoporosis is often called a “pediatric disease with geriatric consequences.” Childhood and adolescence are the key windows of opportunity for building strong bones and warding off the disease. In girls, close to 90 percent of bone mass is built by age 18. Girls, in particular, are at greatest risk for bone problems.  Osteoporosis is four times more common in women than men, and adolescent girls consume calcium and participate in physical activity at lower rates than boys. The new campaign empowers girls ages 9 to 14 to build the best bones forever!

Research shows that girls whose friends like milk are more likely to have higher calcium intake. Similarly, physical activity also gets a boost among girls whose friends have positive attitudes toward sports. That’s why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH) launched Best Bones Forever!, a national bone health campaign for girls ages 9 to 14.  Best Bones Forever! focuses on friendship and fun – and encourages girls to “grow strong together, stay strong forever.”

The new campaign empowers girls and their BFFs (best friend forever) to build strong bones by choosing snacks and foods with calcium and vitamin D, and getting an hour of physical activity a day. Campaign materials such as journals, posters, magnets, tattoos, book covers and a website get girls excited about growing healthy bones! Parents can get important bone health information from a brochure in both English and Spanish, and a website.

Help make an impact by encouraging girls and their parents to make bone health a priority. If you are interested in ordering free Best Bones Forever! materials, contact Talia Thompson.