It’s easy to think our bones are hard and lifeless – but that’s hardly the case. Bones are made of living cells embedded in collagen and minerals. Keeping them healthy starts in childhood, but you’re never too old to improve your bone health.

Eat a balanced diet that includes foods with calcium and vitamin D. Engage in regular exercise and avoid smoking. You’ll find more ideas like these listed on the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) web site listed below.

Here’s why it’s important.

Current estimates show 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million are at risk with low bone mass. To raise bone health awareness, the NOF celebrates May as National Osteoporosis Month by issuing the Jumping Jack Challenge.

All you have to do is videotape yourself, family members and friends doing 10 jumping jacks in less than 10 seconds. Then share your video via the hashtag #JumpingJackChallenge through social media. While you’re at it, challenge others to do the same.

Make no bones about it – it’s a fun way to enjoy the best bone health possible. Go to www.nof.org for more information.

Ask any parent and they’ll probably tell you nothing equals the pain of a child gone missing. And what about the child? What could be more painful than to be ripped from his or her family?

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) initiative educates people on how to react when a child goes missing and how to identify a missing child. It works by disseminating state-of-the-art knowledge and practices, plus provides grants to implement these strategies.

Most of the responsibility for child safety falls to law enforcement at the state and city level. Our best defense is to encourage parents, guardians and others involved in day-to-day child care to work with these agencies as closely as possible.

There are many people, both individuals and those in law enforcement, who make exceptional efforts to rescue and protect our children. It’s why Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25^th as National Missing Children’s Day.  Each year there’s a ceremony to honor those who go beyond the call of duty.

Check www.ojjdp.gov/missingchildrensday to learn more about this award program.