Women urge early prevention for stronger bone health

A letter argues that osteoporosis affects millions of American women and that most bone density is built in the teenage years, so calcium and exercise should begin early to reduce later treatment needs.

An opinion letter calls for earlier attention to bone health and says prevention efforts should begin in adolescence. The writer describes osteoporosis as common and harmful, noting it affects about 8 million American women and that about one in two women over 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture. She shares a family history and a personal DEXA scan showing low bone density in her 30s. The author, identified as a retired family physician and geriatrician, emphasizes that females build most of their bone density in their teenage years. Key points: - Osteoporosis is reported to affect about 8 million American women. - The letter reports that about one in two women over 50 will have an osteoporotic fracture. - The author describes a family history and a DEXA scan at age 38 showing low bone density. - The author states that females build most of their bone density during the teenage years. - The letter argues that prevention begun in adolescence could reduce the need for treatment later in life. Summary: The author highlights the potential impact of earlier prevention on reducing later treatment needs and underscores adolescence as a key period for bone building. Undetermined at this time.