* 1. Research osteoporosis

Research osteoporosis. Find out what it means, what causes the condition, the roles calcium and exercise play in the prevention of the condition, and other precautionary measures to take that will decrease your risk of developing osteoporosis. How much calcium should you have in your diet each day? As part of this activity, do the Bone Busters .. Get Away activity sheet. This will introduce you to many issues and help you get started in your research. You can also see how much you already know about osteoporosis. Review this information with other scouts at a troop meeting.

* 2. Investigate eating disorders

Review and discuss Girl Scout materials regarding eating disorders with your troop. Complete one of the Body Image activities (Body Image Influences: Culture, Mass Media & Advertising or How Well Do You Like Your Body?) Discuss the activities and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Why are eating disorders so damaging to your body and your health? How do these eating disorders affect your bones? Find five ways the media portrays "being thin" as superior in our society.

* 3. Talk with parents / grandparents

Ask your parents/grandparents or your friend's grandparents what their activities and diet were when they were younger. Did they eat calcium-rich foods? Did they walk long distances to school as children? Do they have good posture now? Have they broken any bones? You can compare this information with other members of your troop. Have them complete the "Test Your Bones" worksheet. List at least two ways each person can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and discuss it with the family member or friend. Be sure to interview at least one older person (who may already have osteoporosis). See if you can figure out if they have osteoporosis and, if so, why? Was there a lack of calcium? Lack of exercise?

* 4. Treatment of osteoporosis

There are medications available to help prevent and treat osteoporosis. Visit a physician or pharmacy and ask the physician or pharmacist to tell you about some of these medications. Bring a pencil and paper to make a list of these medicines. Find out how much they cost for a 1 month supply. Find out how they work.

* 5. Investigate Vitamin D

Research the importance of vitamin D. What role does vitamin D play in osteoporosis prevention? How much vitamin D do you need per day? How can you obtain vitamin D? Have scouts share their findings in a group discussion at a troop meeting.