New for Consumers

Release Date: April 2004

BUILDING HEALTHY BONES

Your mother always told you to save your pennies. The more money you put in the bank when you're young, the longer it will last as you get older. But did you also learn to build your “bone bank” account?

If you didn't, you may be one of the 25 million Americans who suffer from osteoporosis each year. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become fragile and break easily, because your “bank account” of bone tissue has dropped to a low level. Learn more about this disease and what you can do at different ages to build healthy bones with a new, free package of publications from the Federal Citizen Information Center.

Osteoporosis is most common in older individuals, particularly women. Several factors, including genetics, age, gender, and diet, influence your likelihood of developing it. Get tips on how you can lower your risk with Boning Up on Osteoporosis from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Find out how making lifestyle changes, such as taking more calcium and vitamin D while increasing your physical activity, can help you build and maintain bone mass.

Learn how your kids can build their “bone banks” now with Kids and Their Bones: A Guide for Parents . This informative publication from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases features useful tips on how kids can develop healthy habits that will help prevent or minimize the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Use the handy charts to learn if your kids are getting enough calcium, and what foods and beverages can help them meet their intake.

Learn more with the free Building Healthy Bones package. There are three easy ways to get your publications:

  • Send your name and address to Building Healthy Bones, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.
  • Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO . That's 1 (888) 878-3256, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the Building Healthy Bones package.
  • Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print out these and hundreds of other federal publications for free.

Get even more information and take advantage of federal online resources at www.FirstGov.gov —your official front door to federal and state government websites.

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  • Please check with Samantha Donaldson if you plan to use this release after July 15, 2004
  • If you would like to receive these releases by e-mail send a request to samantha.donaldson@gsa.gov or call (202) 501-1794.

GSA # 2616

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