Calcium intake in midlife women: one step in preventing osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is widely viewed as a major health concern. It is a progressive bone disorder associated with pain, disability, and death secondary to its fracture complications. While more than 25 million Americans are afflicted, women succumb to its devastating consequences six to eight times more often than men. While many factors increase the risk of osteoporosis, attention must be directed to those measures that positively influence peak bone mass and allay bone loss. Minerals--particularly calcium--play a vital structural and mechanical role in bone growth and development. Moreover, an adequate intake of calcium is vital in the years surrounding menopause when bone loss accelerates. As nurse providers, our challenge resides with prevention strategies that aim at nutritional fitness for building and maintaining healthy bones.