Are you at risk for osteoporosis?
Find out how strong your bones are with a bone density screen of your heel. The test is quick, safe (no x-ray), and painless and the measurement will help your physician assess your risk of osteoporosis. Individual counseling will be provided with information on how to keep your bones strong and healthy. Call 1-888-6 ASK OSF (1-888-627-5673) for your appointment at one of the following locations.

• OSF Medical Group - Morton
• Glen Avenue Outpatient Center - 4911 N. Executive Drive - Peoria
• Saint Clare Family Health Center - Washington

Please note: Registration is required and participants can register by calling the ASK OSF number above. A bare ankle is also required, so please avoid wearing pantyhose if possible.  Cost is $20.00, and can be paid at the time of the screening. Thank you.

Adolescent Bone Health by Suneela Vegunta, M.D.
Osteoporosis is a disease that starts when you’re young and impacts you as you age in
life. Investing in bone health at a young age will certainly be rewarding during later years. Bone
grows linearly during early adolescence. It grows both linearly and significantly increases in
density (mass) during late adolescence. Peak bone mass is reached sometime between late teens and age 35. In some bones, (like the radius), rapid growth is completed by late teens. It is crucial that children get a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D during this period.

Eighty percent of American children do not get their required daily allowance (RDA) of
calcium. The reasons for this are many fold. They can be as common as food fads or lactose
intolerance. Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, reduced calorie intake, purging, using
laxatives and induced vomiting are also some reasons. Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake and
delayed puberty are other risk factors.

Progressive moderate exercise, especially weight bearing and resistance training
improves bone mass. Examples of weight bearing exercise are walking, jogging, basketball,
soccer, dancing, skiing, aerobic dancing, gymnastics and stair climbing. Resistance exercise
includes weight training and vigorous water exercises. Adequate calcium is necessary for
optimal effects from exercise, but moderation is the key. Some young female athletes who
exercise excessively (e.g., running more than five hours per week), lose their body fat and have
menstrual irregularities. This leads to conditions similar to menopause. This increases the risk
for osteoporosis and stress fractures.

In order to ensure that children reach their peak bone mass I recommend the following:

• Promote a physically active lifestyle including participation in a variety of sports and
  recreational activities;
• For girls, avoid excessive exercise and/or reduction in body fat, which can result in
  menstrual irregularities;
• Teach children about proper body mechanics and encourage good posture;
• Ensure that they get adequate calcium and vitamin D in the diet (see table below). If
  they are unable to take a high calcium diet, encourage taking supplements;
• Discourage excessive caffeine or alcohol intake and cigarette smoking.