The Journal of school nursing : the official publication of the National Association of School Nurses
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Better Bones Buddies: an osteoporosis prevention program.
Although osteoporosis typically surfaces in later life, peak bone mass attained before age 20 is a key factor in its prevention. However, most American children's diets lack sufficient calcium during the critical growth periods of preadolescence and adolescence to achieve peak bone mass. ⋯ Posttest results (N = 900) indicate participants improved in their knowledge of osteoporosis, and half reported modifications in their dietary habits to increase calcium consumption. Implications of the Better Bones Buddies program are discussed, with recommendations for future use of this program to increase children's knowledge about bone growth and osteoporosis.