Americans are at risk for bone disease, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Weak bones can lead to fractures, which are painful, costly and sometimes deadly. “The 2004 Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis: What It Means To You” advises that people can improve their bone health by maintaining physical activity, and getting enough calcium and vitamin D.

“Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium,” the report states. “Make sure you get enough vitamin D from your diet, sunshine, or supplements.”

The vitamin, which is rare in the diet, is produced in the body when skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. It is believed that healthy doses of vitamin D help the body ward off a host of maladies in the young and old--namely cancer, diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis.

A copy of the surgeon general’s report is posted at www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/bonehealth/docs/Osteo10sep04.pdf.