Strong bones start when you are young so now is a perfect time to take steps to ensure strong bones for life and walk to help increase awareness of osteoporosis. Join Steps for Strong Bones and be part of this national effort to promote bone health through weight bearing exercise and help increase awareness of osteoporosis while raising funds to support NOF's programs of awareness, advocacy, education and research.

About 85-90% of adult bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and 20 in boys. Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can help to prevent osteoporosis later in life.But it's never too late to take steps for strong bones. Together, the following five steps can optimize bone health and help prevent osteoporosis:

• Get the daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D

• Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol

• Talk to your healthcare provider about bone health

• Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate

Why should you join Steps for Strong Bones and support NOF, because approximately one in two women and one in four men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis related fracture in their remaining lifetime.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) has partnered with Prevention Magazine to invite you to take part in their Team Prevention events as a Steps for Strong Bones team member. You can join Team Prevention and walk a full or a half marathon in support of NOF.

You can walk any of the four events listed below--all of which offer full and half marathon options (26.2 and 13.1 miles, respectively). Join Steps for Strong Bones and Team Prevention and you'll have strong support every step of the way. You can even win prizes for your fundraising efforts and with no required minimum for fundraising, it's up to you how much you raise!!!

Click here to register!

Clicking this link will open Team Prevention registration in a new window. Be sure to check the "Join Steps for Strong Bones" box during registration.

October 12, 2008

Long Beach International City Marathon & Half

October 19, 2008

IMT Des Moines Marathon & Half

November 23, 2008

Philadelphia Marathon & Half

December 14, 2008

Dallas White Rock Marathon & Half

As a Team Prevention and Steps for Strong Bones walker you will recieve:

• Training schedules customized just for you and your goal

• Personal on-line walking tracking program

• Top doctors, dietitians, and coaches to answer all your training questions

• Experienced mentors for extra personal guidance and support

• Message boards to trade tips with other walkers

• Weekly fundraising and walking tips

• Prizes and certificates for your fundraising efforts

• A personal fundraising page

• A personal blog to keep friends and family updated on your training

• Customizable e-mail messages to ask for support

Click here to register!

Clicking this link will open Team Prevention registration. Be sure to check the "Join Steps for Strong Bones" box during registration.

Contact Kris House at events@nof.org with questions