§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what programmes he has promoted to educate men and women aged between 25 and 40 years on the importance of diet in the prevention of osteoporosis. [57794]
§ Ms JowellA healthy and balanced diet is important for all age groups to help reduce the risk of a number of illnesses, including osteoporosis. For this reason, we continue to promote healthy eating messages to all age groups and in particular to commission the Health Education Authority to incorporate healthy eating messages in their health education materials. None of these programmes have been specifically aimed at men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 years. However the health advice that promotes the importance of diet in the prevention of osteoporosis is valuable for people of all ages.
The Osteoporosis Strategy I launched earlier this year highlighted the various factors which play an important role in reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Maintaining a healthy diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D is just one aspect. Also as important is regular exercise, particularly weight bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Such factors may play a part in the prevention of osteoporosis. Therefore the Osteoporosis Strategy provides valuable advice on lifestyle measures for reducing the risk of osteoporosis which applies to all age groups.