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Got Milk?

Know the calcium requirements for kids
OSTEOPOROSIS—a thinning of the bones that makes people have more fractures (cracks and splits in the bones).

People think of osteoporosis as a disease that only affects older adults. And that’s true—osteoporosis affects 25 million Americans a year.

Making sure your kids get all the calcium (and vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption) they need for healthy bone development could reduce their risk for osteoporosis in the future.

Most kids don’t get enough
Only about 10 to 25 percent of children and teens are getting enough calcium in their daily diet. As a result, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimates that within 20 years, more than 41 million Americans will have osteoporosis if this trend is not reversed.

Teens are especially at risk—thanks to their never-ending desire for soft drinks! In a 1994 survey, nearly three-fourths of teenage boys drank an average of 34 ounces (almost three 12-ounce cans) of soda per day. Two-thirds of teenage girls drank 23 ounces of soda per day. A study from 1998 showed that only 19 percent of adolescents were aware of the recommended daily allowance for calcium, and their average calcium intake was about 50 percent of what is required.

Look at this chart on the right. If your kids aren’t getting enough calcium in their daily diet, talk to your doctor about a calcium supplement.

It’s important to let children and teens know that while they’re young, this is their chance to build strong bones that may help avoid future health problems.

So when your kids protest when they hear you say "Drink your milk!"—just smile and reply…"Someday you’ll thank me!" …and they should.