Building Bones That Last

The 206 bones of your skeletal system form the framework that supports the rest of your body. Each bone needs to be properly nourished and conditioned in order to do its job. On the Web site below, you will learn how bones are formed, and what kind of healthy habits you can develop to ensure that your bones are as strong as possible.

Link to explore : U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1997/697_bone.html

• Start at the FDA Web site.
• Read the entire "Bone Builders" page about supporting your bones with healthy habits .
• Take notes as you read. When you are done reading, answer the questions below.
• Finally, using the information from the site create a menu for a meal that features bone healthy foods. Beneath each food write a short sentence about what it contributes to bone health.

1			What are the two things teens can do to reduce the risk of fractured bones later in life?
2			What is the process of breaking down and building up of bones called?
3			What are the six nutrients your body needs to build strong bones?
4			Why is weight bearing exercise so important for growing bones?
5			What are four habits that many teenagers have that can steal calcium from their bones and weaken their skeletons for life?