As we age, bone density becomes more and more important, 
especially for pre- and post-menopausal women. Poor bone density 
can lead to diseases such as osteoporosis and bone cancer. It is 
important to start thinking about bone density early.

Osteoporosis is an insidious condition that drains away bone—the 
hardest, most durable substance in the body. It happens slowly, 
over years, so that often neither doctor nor patient is aware of 
weakening bones until one snaps unexpectedly.

Did you know that declining bone mass is a problem widely 
experienced by older women? Bone mass peaks at the age of 35 and 
then starts declining as estrogen levels go down. By the age of 
65 or 75, women easily break bones in falls that would hardly 
have bruised them a large bruise at 30.

Older individuals who have poor bone density are at a higher risk 
for hip and other bone fractures, loss of mobility, humping of 
the spine and other relate bone injuries and illnesses. This 
leads to loss of independence, permanent disability and even 
death. As we get older, bone density is increasingly important. 
You should have a bone density test at least once a year after 
the age of 50.

Osteoporosis leads to 1.5 million fractures or breaks annually, 
mostly in the hip, spine and wrist and the cost of treatment is 
estimated at $17 billion and rising, according to the National 
Institutes of Health (NIH). Osteoporosis threatens 34 million 
Americans. While it affects older women, older men get it too. 
One in 2 women and 1 in 4 men age 50 or older will suffer a 
vertebral fracture, according to the NIH. These numbers are 
predicted to rise as the population ages.

There are many factors that affect bone density and bone 
strength:

1.)Genetics - some ethnic groups may have stronger bones

2.)Sex - men tend to have a greater bone mass than women

3.)Diet - calcium and vitamin D, in particular, are important 
   for building and maintaining strong bones

4.)Physical activity - regular exercise is important for 
   strong bones

5.)Body weight - heavier people have stronger bones

6.)Hormones - irregular or loss of menstrual periods can cause 
   bone loss

So, according to these factors, it is evident that different 
people will lose bone density in different ways and at different 
times in their lives. Regardless, it is important to consider 
your bones and their health early in life so that you can prevent 
bone-related diseases and illnesses.

There is no cure or proven preventive treatment for osteoporosis 
and other bone density diseases, but their onset can be delayed 
and their severity diminished. Most importantly, early 
intervention can prevent devastating fractures. There are also 
some foods and supplements that promote healthy bone density. 
High calcium foods such as milk and cheese and other foods such 
as broccoli, canned sardines, yogurt and juices promote healthy 
bones.

If you want to try a supplement to promote bone density, you 
should consider Osteozyne(tm). Osteozyne(tm) can be found at 
http://www.bodestore.com and through Amazon. Osteozyne(tm) offers 
an extensive list of ingredients formulated to maximize bone 
health and combat bone loss at any age.

It is never too early to start thinking about your bones and their 
future. You should start taking care of them today, so that you 
will not have to suffer bone density illnesses and diseases such 
as osteoporosis, frequent breaks or fractures or cancer later in 
life.  

Kathy Castillo is a health and fitness enthusiast and 
advocate. She writes on a regular basis on timeless 
health and fitness tips at the Fit After Forty Blog. 
See more useful health and fitness news and tips at: 
http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm 
Copyright 2006 AdPro Media Sales, All Rights Reserved 
courtesy Kamau Austin.   

This Article must be published with a disclaimer as such...
This article is for general information purposes only. Before 
under taking any exercise or treatment program always first 
check first with your doctor and health professionals.