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SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—May 11/PR Newswire/ – During National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month in May, Dairy Council of California introduces a new online Spanish resource to help older Latinas protect their health by avoiding bone fracture.

Osteoporosis is a medical condition where bones become fragile and more likely to break. In California, the rate of osteoporosis-related hip fracture among older Latinas has doubled (Zingmond 2004) and across the country, 50 percent of all women and 25 percent of men over age 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related bone fracture in their lifetime. Fracture of the hip, wrist or spine tends to be painful, require ongoing medical care and negatively impact quality of life.

"Many older Latinas are well aware of the risks of diabetes and heart disease, but we know almost nothing about osteoporosis until we break a hip or start shrinking,” said registered dietitian Esther Schuster, M.S., R.D., C.D.E of Pasadena. “Osteoporosis could become even more prevalent as most Latinas do not get enough bone-building calcium or vitamin D in their diets. Fortunately, no matter what your age, it’s never too late to protect your health and reduce the risk of bone fracture with 3 - 4 servings of calcium-rich milk and milk products and exercise every day."

Schuster helped develop the new resource Mujeres, Mantengan sus Huesos Fuertes, available for free on the Meals Matter website at www.MealsMatter.org/En-Espanol. This resource helps older Latinas learn more about osteoporosis, assess their bone fracture risk and discover simple ways to increase calcium-rich food choices each day. The resource also includes an easy-to-make licuado recipe as well as information about vitamin D. To maintain strong bones and protect your health, Schuster recommends older Latinas and their families:

• Include 3 - 4 servings of calcium-rich milk and milk products in your diet every day.
• Spend 30 - 60 minutes exercising every day. Walking, dancing, even carrying groceries counts!
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you smoke, stop.

To download a free copy of the resource or learn more about osteoporosis, healthy recipes and more, older Latinas and their health care providers can visit www.mealsmatter.org/En-Espanol.

Meals Matter is a free family nutrition and meal-planning website staffed by registered dietitians and sponsored by Dairy Council of California. Healthy Eating Made Easier®

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