Best Bones Forever

Best Bones Forever is a national health campaign in the United States aimed at promoting optimal bone health among young girls. The campaign was launched by the Office on Women's Health (OWH) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2009. The goal of the campaign is to encourage girls to consume foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, engage in regular physical activity, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis in the future.

Overview

The Best Bones Forever campaign was developed in response to research showing that many girls in the U.S. do not get the recommended amount of calcium and physical activity necessary for optimal bone health. The campaign uses a variety of strategies to reach its target audience, including social media, educational materials, and partnerships with other organizations.

Importance of Bone Health

Bone health is crucial for overall health and well-being. Bones provide structure, protect organs, anchor muscles, and store calcium. Adequate calcium consumption and physical activity are necessary to build strong bones and to slow the bone loss that can occur as we age.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. Calcium is a mineral that is necessary for life. In addition to building bones and keeping them healthy, calcium enables our blood to clot, our muscles to contract, and our heart to beat. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and is needed for bone growth and remodeling.

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is another important factor for bone health. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, tennis, and climbing stairs, can help build strong bones and slow bone loss.

Prevention of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones to the point where they break easily—most often, bones in the hip, backbone (spine), and wrist. It's called the "silent disease" because you may not notice any changes until a bone breaks. Prevention should begin in childhood to maximize bone health.

See Also

• Bone density
• Bone fracture
• Bone mineral density
• Bone remodeling
• Osteoporosis