For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 05/02/01

Osteoporosis Awareness Should Begin At Adolescence

Approximately 10 million Americans have the skeletal disorder known as osteoporosis.  One of the causes of osteoporosis is insufficient bone growth during childhood and adolescence that can result in failure to reach peak bone mass in adulthood.  During childhood and adolescence, the body builds bone mass, which tends to decrease by the time individuals reach the age of 30.  Carol Maritz, assistant professor of physical therapy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, says it is important for children to understand they need to strengthen their bone mass through proper dieting and exercise to decreases their chances of developing osteoporosis.  "The best time for individuals to enhance their bone development is during childhood and adolescences as opposed to later in life when our bone strength is declining and we're trying to preserve what we have," says Maritz.  "It is critical that children maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.  Someone once made an analogy between bone formation and depositing money into a bank account.  You want to make deposits while you're young so that you'll be able to have enough money, or in this case bone structure, when you get older and need it more than ever."

But trying to convince youngsters about a disorder that is widely perceived as an elderly condition can be daunting.  Maritz says it is the responsibility of parents and schools to guide children to healthier lifestyles.  Dairy products and certain fruits and vegetables are excellent dietary supplements for children because they contain calcium, which helps to strengthen bones.  Studies have noted that Vitamin D is essential also because it helps the body absorb calcium.  While it is important for parents to know what is good for their children's dietary habits, Maritz says it is just as vital that they know what is bad.

"Many teenagers drink a lot of caffeine soda and that is not good for bone development," says Maritz.  "Soda tends to drag out the calcium from the bones.  It is better if teenagers drink water, milk or orange juice.  Smoking also is a negative factor.  It decreases the body's ability to utilize calcium.

"Exercise is just as important in reducing the chances of developing osteoporosis," adds Maritz.  "Parents should make sure their children are active, whether it's playing sports in organized leagues or riding a bike."

Maritz says incidence of osteoporosis in America may decrease as more health-conscious adults groom their children to maintain healthier lifestyles.  "What kids learn early about what is important for living healthy lives will carry over into adulthood and then to their own children," she says.  

To arrange an interview, contact John M. Martino at (215) 895-1186, or email: j.martin@usip.edu.

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