2/2/2007
We all remember being told to “drink your milk”. Well, your mom was right and you should be saying it more often to your kids. Researchers say that most American children over age 8 don’t get enough calcium, a deficiency that increases their risks for developing osteoporosis in adulthood. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children eat three servings of milk, flavored milk, cheese or yogurt a day. It’s been proven that dairy products help build strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life.
Here’s some good news for us ladies who worry about “big hips.” Despite what you see in magazines, a so-called "pear" shape is perfectly normal for a healthy woman. In fact, the female distribution of body fat in the hips and thighs has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and breast cancer. Women who tend to have more of a male distribution of body fat, with fat stored around the waist, are at higher risk for these diseases.
For more health news and to find out about our upcoming health screenings and events, call St. John’s Referral One at 625-2000 or log onto stj.com.
