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Healthy to the Bone: An Elementary School Based Osteoporosis Education and Prevention Program
Educator Information
About Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the most common of the metabolic bone diseases. It is a disease that causes the bones to become weak and thin, increasing the risk of fracture. Childhood is a critical time in bone development. Peak bone mass occurs by the age of 35. Approximately 45 percent of peak bone mass is laid down from birth to age 10 and another 45 percent before age 18. The number one prevention against osteoporosis is building maximum bone density during childhood and adolescence. Achieving appropriate daily dietary calcium levels and participating in a variety of weightbearing and muscle strengthening exercises will allow our children to build strong bones.
About the Program
"Healthy to the Bone" was developed for presentation to 5th grade children. This program was developed by Florida physical therapist Kathleen DeMolli Shirley, PT, OCS, GCS and will be presented by BryanLGH physical therapists. This one-hour lesson teaches children the purpose and function of the skeletal system. The importance of appropriate lifestyle choices (nutrition, exercise and posture) in building strong bones is stressed. The students are encouraged to "fill their bone bank to the top", reducing the risk of osteoporosis as they age. Slides, handouts, bone models, nutrition labels and food examples are incorporated into a hands-on learning environment. This program integrates science, health, language arts and math concepts.
For more information, please contact Ron Schmidt, MA, PT, Director of Rehabilitation Services, at 402-481-9499.
