A new bone health campaign, Best Bones Forever!, launched in September by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, encourages girls ages 9-14 to get the calcium, vitamin D, and physical activity they need to build strong bones and decrease the risk for osteoporosis later in life.

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 is focused on fun and friendship and empowers girls to “grow strong together, stay strong forever.”  The message for parents is one of urgency. Campaign materials and a Web site for parents empower them to “Act now to help her build her best bones forever!”

The Best Bones Forever! Campaign also features a community pilot program at three sites: North Las Vegas, Nev.; Ulster County, N.Y.; and Pinal County, Ariz.  Coalitions in each site will bring the campaign to their communities through a range of activities, including a bone health behavior change program for parents and girls called BodyWorks. 

For more information, go to the campaign Web site for girls at www.bestbonesforever.gov or for parents at www.bestbonesforever.gov/parents.