BETHESDA, MD (NIH) -- Los niños y sus huesos: una guía para los padres is a new Spanish-language publication for parents about bone health in children and how to prevent the future development of osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become fragile and break easily. This publication complements the original version of Kids and Their Bones: A Guide for Parents released last year. Both publications are available free of charge from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).

The guide encourages parents to model healthy lifestyles and nutritional habits for their children, such as participating in weight-bearing activities and taking in sufficient daily calcium. These are necessary for kids' bones to reach their maximum strength and density. Up to 90 percent of peak bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and by age 20 in boys, making childhood and adolescence critical periods for bone growth and development.

The guide is also a tool for health educators, teachers, and health professionals working with Spanish-speaking parents around the country. It is written using plain language and a question and answer format.

You can access the guide on the Web at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/osteoporosis/kidbones_espanol.htm, or contact the NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center at 800-624-BONE (2663). The center also has additional information about osteoporosis.