Learn How to Love Your Bones!

(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Led by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) takes place every year on October 20th to emphasize and raise awareness around the importance of building healthy bones.

Over 200 million people worldwide are affected by osteoporosis, with an osteoporotic fracture occurring every three seconds. Taking preventative measures, and making simple lifestyle shifts, is key to navigating and preventing the risk of osteoporosis. Nutrition, coupled with physical activity and early detection, plays an integral role in protecting the future of your bones. Research findings suggest that eating prunes can lead to improved bone health. Postmenopausal women who added 50 grams (4-5 prunes) daily to their diet for six months experienced an improvement in bone mineral density[1].

Recognizing World Osteoporosis Day provides a reminder of the importance of bone health. “Nutrients found in prunes – vitamin K, phosphorus, boron and potassium and polyphenols – contribute to bone health. Paired with calcium, vitamin D and weight bearing exercise, people of all ages can protect themselves,” says Shirin Hooshmand, PhD, Associate Professor of Nutrition at San Diego State University. Hooshmand has been involved in founding research related to prunes and their effect on bone health.

For more information about Sunsweet or World Osteoporosis Day, please visit: http://www.sunsweetworldosteoporosisday.com

About World Osteoporosis Day
World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on 20 October, and marks the beginning of a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases. Led by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) whose members include committees of scientific researchers, leading companies, as well as more than 230 patient, medical and research societies, working together to make bone, joint and muscle health a worldwide health-care priority. WOD generates worldwide media and assists with public awareness campaigns organized by national osteoporosis patient and medical societies in over 90 countries, globally. http://www.worldosteoporosisday.org #LoveYourBones

About SUNSWEET
Sunsweet is a proud official sponsor of World Osteoporosis Day and supports the goal of helping reduce the preventable risk of osteoporosis, through a bone-healthy lifestyle with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables including prunes.

Sunsweet Growers Inc., established in 1917, has 99 years of experience and heritage in producing the highest quality dried fruits. The Yuba City, Calif.-based cooperative of 250 grower/members is the worldwide leader in prunes and related products. The product portfolio includes a full line of dried fruit snacks and juices, all designed to fit today’s need for healthy and convenient food choices. For more on Sunsweet products, visit http://www.sunsweet.com