Guard yourself against bone-thinning by starting the day right with a healthy breakfast.

‘LIFE isn’t fair” is possibly one of the most annoying things you’re likely to hear from others. Ask that elderly couple who spent a good part of their youth taking care of their family and extended family. After a certain age, the chances of developing some form of illness do get higher, such as the potentially debilitating disease that is osteoporosis, or the thinning of bones.

Many have the vague notion that bones do wear down—and many believe that this is a problem of the old and graying. However, the fact is that the number of people with low bone density, or weak bones, is growing—and studies indicate that people as young as 30 can develop weak bones.

This alarming reality came to focus recently during Anlene’s unveling of Anlene Gold, the latest addition to its line of supplemental-milk drinks which contains nanocalcium, at the Blue Leaf in McKinley Hills, Taguig City. Anlene, one of the world’s most respected brands for milk products formulated specifically for adults, sought to highlight the threat of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a condition where bone-mineral density is reduced, thereby leading to increased incidences of bone fracture.

“Since 2005, studies show that one out of three Filipinos has a high risk for developing osteoporosis,” according to Anlene brand manager Louise Chavez. That amounts to nearly 30 million potential osteoporosis victims.

Osteoporosis is, by most accounts, a killer that’s largely ignored. Studies indicate that while many people don’t directly die of osteoporosis, many people die because of complications caused by it. A recent study in Canada showed that more women died from osteoporosis complications than breast, ovarian and uterine cancer combined.

Filipinos, like many Asians, are at a greater risk, since Asian bones are generally thinner than their Caucasian counterparts, and also because milk or dairy is not a staple in the Asian diet. Add to that smoking, an inactive lifestyle, and an unbalanced diet, and you’re putting yourself on the fast-track to osteoporosis-ville.

For Anlene, the challenge has been how to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, and, if the person is already osteoporotic, how to slow it down. As part of the event, Anlene provided free-bone density tests to guests and walk-ins. The tests are hardly an inconvenience: one merely fits a foot in a machine and a slight pressure is then added to test density, all of which takes about a minute. Then it’s off to analysis.

Additionally, the new Anlene Gold with nanocalcium is especially formulated to get calcium into the bones faster.

“Using nanotechnology, the calcium particles get absorbed much more effectively. Our milk also contains vitamin D, magnesium and zinc, which are essential in maintaining bones,” she said, adding that two glasses a day is recommended to keep bones safe. 

The event, while serious in subject matter, was not without some entertainment for the guests. It was also hosted four of Anlene’s ambassadors: actress Dina Bonnevie, singer Pilita Corrales, beauty queen Minni Cagatao-Jentes and stage actress Pinky Marquez.

“There are still so many things I want to do with my life, so many reasons to stay healthy,” said Bonnevie. As if to prove how healthy they all were because of Anlene, the four celebrities treated the audience to a dance number and this is not your garden-variety dancing but belly dancing.

Honestly, the dance number itself was pretty OK, but that’s not the point. These celebrities, just like the rest of us, can get sick, and the rest of us, just like these celebrities, can do something about it. A healthier lifestyle, more exercise and, yes, proper nutrition. True, life isn’t fair—but it is also true that life is what you make it.

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‘LIFE isn’t fair” is possibly one of the most annoying things you’re likely to hear from others. Ask that elderly couple who spent a good part of their youth taking care of their family and extended family.