We are spending far too much time sitting at desks, in front of computers, and watching television, and too little time on activities that can help keep us strong and healthy.
As a result, we gain weight, lose muscle and bone, and become weaker with age, increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis and other conditions.
Osteoporosis is called a "silent" disease because with bone loss there are no symptoms.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women and one in four men age 50 and older will have an osteoporosis-related fracture.
Exercise is extremely important in fighting bone loss, even if one exercises only 30 minutes a day.
Strength training (resistance) places stress on the bones, forcing them to adapt and become stronger.
A sedentary lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are a few avoidable factors that increase risk of developing osteoporosis.
Consuming a healthy and well-balanced diet means doing our best to eat foods that give us all of the vitamins and minerals needed to function efficiently.
Calcium is one of the most important minerals for optimal functioning of your entire body.
Our teeth and bones contain 99 percent of the body's calcium.
Calcium also helps the muscles to perform efficiently; if there is a deficiency, muscles can cramp or twitch.
On average, American woman consume only about 625 milligrams daily and men, only about 865 milligrams.
Foods high in calcium include nonfat plain yogurt (1 cup 300-450 milligrams depending on type), Parmesan cheese (1 ounce, 336 milligrams), Romano cheese (1 ounce, 302 milligrams) and low-fat milk (1 cup, 300 milligrams) among others.
Calcium is best absorbed when it is consumed in smaller amounts (approximately 500-600 milligrams) during the day rather than all at once.
Moderate exercise, vitamins C and vitamin D help to promote proper calcium absorption.