May is National Osteoporosis Month. 

An estimated 44 million people in the United States suffer from osteoporosis or are at risk of this debilitating disease. In fact, about one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. By 2020, half of all Americans over age 50 are expected to have low bone density or osteoporosis.

As part of its observance of National Osteoporosis Month, the Creighton Osteoporosis Research Center and Roberts Dairy are teaming up to help students refuel their bodies and minds during finals week. Students are invited to stop by the Skutt Student Center on Tuesday, May 1, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and receive free samples of milk and yogurt, coupons for other calcium-rich dairy products, and helpful information on the prevention of osteoporosis.  Students also can purchase raffle tickets for basketballs autographed by Creighton’s men’s and women’s basketball teams.  Among the ticket options are one ticket for $1 and six for $5. Winning tickets will be drawn on May 4.

Osteoporosis causes bones to become fragile and are more likely to break. It is often called the “silent disease” because there are often no symptoms until the fracture occurs. In most cases, osteoporosis can be prevented by eating foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, together with getting plenty of exercise, not smoking and limiting alcohol use. The doctors and faculty at the Creighton University Osteoporosis Research Center have studied osteoporosis at great lengths and believe strongly in the role a healthy diet and dairy products such as milk have in preventing the disease. For more information about osteoporosis prevention, access www.robertsdairy.com/osteo