Strong Bones

When I was a teenager growing up and being a West Texas football player I believed that if I drank lots of whole milk I would be stronger and faster than anybody. So, I drank 1 quart of milk with each of my three meals per day. Whether I was the strongest or fastest I do not know for sure, but I do know I was healthy and had very few injuries through out my 13 years of playing football. I attribute that to my consumption of that pearly while stuff called “cows milk.” It is my belief that it is critical in the early years of a persons life and it has life time benefits. After my recent bicycle crash the doctors tell me that my quick recovery and lack of broken hip bones was attributed to my really strong bones. To me that is “proof in the pudding” as to my early feelings about the healthy benefits I was receiving from consuming milk.

Here are some milk facts to consider: Milk is one of the best sources of calcium and about 72% of the calcium in the U.S. food supply comes from dairy foods. Calcium in soy milk is not as readily available for the body to use as it is in cow’s milk. One cup of milk has the same amount of calcium as 3.5 cups of broccoli. Also, flavored milk offers children a package of essential nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin D.

So, as you pass by another dairy during your many travels, how about a little thank you to those hard working black and white Holsteins! Their hard work in producing a very healthy product for the food chain deserves a strong salute of thanks!

Mike Greer