ABSTRACT
Bone fracture under everyday stress and bone deterioration are related to a condition termed osteoporosis, or porous bones. The importance of this stems from the fact that even the slightest amount of stress causes fractures in the elderly due to weak bone structure. Dowager’s hump, a gradual loss of height with spinal curvature, occurs due to bone loss. Dietary calcium and its helpers in bone growth—Vitamin D and phosphorus—are easily obtained from four 8 oz. glasses of Vitamin D-fortified milk daily. Physicians may prescribe calcium supplements of at least 1500 mg. daily or estrogen therapy to replenish calcium stores. Research has shown that 1000 mg. of calcium daily lowers blood pressure in normal and hypertensive human subjects. An aboveaverage intake of calcium may also result in a lengthened interval between the attainment of maturity and the onset of senility. Some studies even indicate that an increased intake of calcium decreases the likelihood of colon cancer.
