VITAL LIVING

This is really more of a checklist than an article. Here are
some basic facts about bone health for kids. Use this checklist
when teaching groups of kids or your own children. Involve them by
asking the questions and waiting for the answers. It’s really
fun!
How many bones in an adult human body? 206.
There are more in a kid’s body, as some bones haven’t fused
together. More than half of our bones are in the hands and
feet!
Does a human or a giraffe have more bones in their
neck? They’re the same!
Peak ages for bone density and growth is 9-12 years of age.  By
age 17, 90% of bone mass is established.
Think of bones like a bank account: You put in calcium until you
reach the age of 18, then the bank is closed and you can only
withdraw.
Sources of calcium: dairy products (milk also
contains vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium); dark, leafy greens
such as collard greens and kale, spinach, chard, bok choy;
broccoli; calcium-fortified orange juice and tofu; almonds; some
cereals.
How much calcium do you need a day as kids?
1300 mg, 1100 mg for adults.
What else is good for bone health? Exercise!
Weight-bearing exercise is particularly good for bones. This can be
from light weight lifting or by using their own weight for weight
bearing exercise; such as you do with pushups.
Osteoporosis means porous bones. Ask the kids if they know what
this word means. Explain that porous bones are weak bones.
What is not good for bone health? Phosphoric
Acid, found in sodas. It interferes with calcium absorption.
Caffeine also interferes with calcium absorption.
Do you know what ‘Euphemism’ means? Definition:
The act or an example of substituting a mild, indirect, or vague
term for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive. Here is a real
life example of a euphemism: ‘Energy’ drinks.
‘Energy drinks’ only give you short-term energy while doing a
lot of damage to your good health.
Supplements: Vitamin D- 400 IU/day. Please ask
your health professional for supplement advice.
Kids want strong bones and once they know the facts; they are
more likely to lessen their soda and caffeine intake and increase
bone-health foods.
Patty’s passion is assisting you to obtain or
maintain
your good health. Patty has her master’s degree in 
holistic nutrition and is a certified natural chef.
Patty James, Vital Health Educator and Nutrition
Coach.
Founder of the first certified organic cooking
school
and nutrition center in the country.
www.pattyjames.com,
pa***@pa********.com.
707-829-6707 • P.O. Box 1474, Sebastopol, CA 95473.