Most of us associate osteoporosis with elderly women, but as you point out, it can be an issue in childhood as well. Even for those children who are not genetically predisposed to osteoporosis, it is important for parents keep in mind the tremendous health benefits of calcium.

For many years now, parents have been fighting the battle (and sometimes losing) to get kids to drink more milk and less soda. Over the past decade or so, the rise of Starbucks has introduced a new factor into this equation. When I was young, children drinking coffee was tantamount to children smoking! Now, 10 year-olds routinely head to Starbucks in the afternoon for their caramel macchiatos (where once upon a time, they would have had milk and cookies.) Also, the availability of non-dairy milk (soy, rice and almond milk) -- while a tasty alternative for those who are allergic to cow's milk -- means that parents need to be aware that not all milk is equal. While cow's milk naturally has protein and calcium -- and is virtually always fortified with vitamin D -- this may or may not be the case with all milk substitutes and it is therefore important for parents to check the nutrition content of the drink.

Lila de Tantillo

11/13/07 4:05pm

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! You make some excellent points -- and despite so many medical and pharmaceutical advances, sometimes it seems we are taking steps backward with general health and nutrition, especially in regards to children. Hopefully we can all do our part to spread awareness of the importance of calcium and Vitamin D to all the generations.