Got milk?

We see it in the paper. We see on TV. We see it on the milk carton, and even on the cheese.

Everywhere you look, you can see or hear advertisements on how individuals require a sufficient, daily intake of calcium to help prevent osteoporosis.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), 10 million Americans are diagnosed with the disease, and of those 10 million, eight million are females.

Even with all of the statistics bombarding the issue, many female students here at UB have not thought about how this disease could affect them in the future.

"I'm aware of them [issues pertaining to osteoporosis], and I should be [concerned] because I don't get enough calcium, but I haven't really thought about the long-term effects of not taking enough calcium," said Shannon Welch, a senior communication major.

As more women become worried about the situation, they often begin to ask the question of what they can do now in college to prevent the condition from happening to them.

Some women have responded by taking calcium pills; however, according to Sherri Darrow, director of Wellness and Health Services at UB, the solution is not all in the supplements. It's also necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"Getting enough physical activity early in life and ongoing weight-bearing activity is probably the most preventive thing you can do for good bone health," Darrow said.

Some examples of weight-bearing activities include aerobics such as jogging and jumping rope. Activities that promote balance and flexibility are also encouraged for improved bone health. The NOF suggests that an individual should exercise at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week.

In addition to exercise, a proper diet is needed to strengthen your bones. Along with foods high in calcium, Darrow suggests adding plenty of fruits and fiber to your menu.

Younger women should be less worried about getting osteoporosis, due to the fact that this disease generally strikes older women. However, there are some risk factors that you should be aware of when trying to determine your likelihood of contracting it.

Some factors include family history of the disease, previous broken bones and low estrogen levels; these can make a person more susceptible to acquiring it.

For those who feel the need to ensure the health of their bones, the Wellness and Health Services office presents an array of services to help in the prevention of osteoporosis, offering meetings with a nutritionist as well as yoga classes. Being concerned about osteoporosis can be stressful, but UB provides ways to put worrying minds at ease.