Calcium
Education Program Leader's Guide
Like many things growing girls do -- playing sports, finishing chores or finding time for homework -- healthful eating is a balancing act. It takes skillful maneuvering to get it right. Just as these girls plot their game strategy and budget their time, they need to choose among foods that make up a healthful diet and develop exercise habits that benefit them most -- not only for today, but for the future, too. Adequate calcium intake at this time in life is critical to achieving full height with strong bones and teeth. The diets of growing girls often lack nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, dark-green or deep-yellow vegetables and milk or milk products. What growing girls eat affects their health now -- and in the future. For that reason, you not only need to show them the links between diet and health, but also to help them develop skills for making informed food decisions. Physical activity is another essential component of a lifestyle that supports the growth of healthy bones and teeth. It appears that physical activity helps to build greater bone mass in childhood and early adolescence and helps to maintain peak bone mass in adulthood. Activities ranging from walking the dog to jumping rope can stimulate bone growth. The goal is to get girls moving with activities they enjoy and can pursue regularly. |
Where is Calcium Found in the Body?
When is the Skeleton Formed?
How Much Calcium and Exercise Do Growing Girls Needed?
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What Robs The Body of Calcium?
What Happens to Bone as Women Age?
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Calcium Education Program |
Hypertext updated by ear/kwg 2002-FEB-20