THE KEY TO BONE-GEVITY

May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. Osteoporosis has been called the “silent killer” because early stages of this disease are difficult to detect and diagnose. Experts predict that by 2025, osteoporosis will be responsible for approximately three million fractures and over $25 billion in annual medical costs. Here to share tips on better bone health is name Marie Spano, a sports dietitian.
WHY: Healthy bones are critical to peak performance for professional athletes, and perhaps even more crucial for growing children. Healthy bone habits start early, and studies have shown that osteoporosis is a childhood disease with adulthood implications. So now, during National Osteoporosis Awareness Month, it is a great time to be focused on “Bone-Gevity.”
Atlanta Hawks nutritionist Marie Spano is teaming up with the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. (SUDIA) to promote “Bone-gevity”: bones built to last. She will be available for in-studio interviews to highlight the importance of drinking milk and eating nutrient-rich foods that support bone health starting at an early age. She will explain how these actions can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life and also discuss how professional athletes incorporate dairy into their diets.
In addition to discussing bone health tips, Marie also demonstrates how an 8-ounce glass of milk has the same nutrition benefits as the following super foods:
* 10 cups of raw spinach (Calcium)
* 2 hardboiled eggs (Vitamin A)
* 1 cup of kidney beans (Phosphorous)
* 1/3 cup of whole almonds (Riboflavin)
* 1 baked chicken thigh (Protein)
* 1 banana (Potassium)
* ¾ ounce of cooked salmon (Vitamin A)
Bones play a critical role in the body. They provide structure, protect your organs, and are essential to strength and good posture. Poor bone health can dangerous, debilitating and downright costly with experts predicting that osteoporosis will cause an estimated $25 billion in annual medical costs in the U.S. by 2025. Diets rich in milk and dairy products have been shown to reduce the risk for osteoporosis, as well as help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
About Marie Spano
Marie is one of the country’s leading sports nutritionists. She is the sports nutritionist for the Atlanta Hawks and combines science with practical experience to help Olympic, professional, and recreational athletes implement customized nutritional plans to maximize athletic performance. Spano has authored hundreds of magazine articles, trade publication articles, book chapters, and marketing materials. A three-sport collegiate athlete, Spano earned her master’s degree in nutrition from the University of Georgia and her bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro (UNCG).
About the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association:
On behalf of dairy farm families, the non-profit Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. (SUDIA) works with schools, health professionals, retailers, dairy processors and the public to promote dairy foods. For more information, visit southeastdairy.org.

Related links:  The Southeast United Dairy Industry Association