A medical anthropologist and certified nutritionist, Dr. Brown currently directs the Osteoporosis Project and the Nutrition Education and Consulting Service. She says that osteoporosis is a "needless disorder [that] barely exists in much of the world." It is "a disease of Western civilization created by our lifestyles." Because it's a disease we have created, it is one we can eliminate.

Dr. Brown says her extensive research enables her to say that "I now know that osteoporosis is preventable and that it can be halted once begun. I also know that it is to some degree reversible." Her book details precisely what causes osteoporosis and how to prevent its development.

Although many of us think of bone as being something that is solid and unchanging, it is actually living tissue. Old bone tissue is constantly being dissolved and replaced with new bone. Dr. Brown says that "every atom in our skeleton is replaced within a three-month period." While calcium is certainly a key player in building new bones, it doesn't work alone. At least 17 other nutrients are needed. The standard American diet either doesn't provide those nutrients, or provides them in inadequate quantities. Not only are most Americans slighted on the essential nutrients, they consume too much animal protein. Calcium is actually withdrawn from bone tissue in order to metabolize protein, which contributes to the development of osteoporosis.

Dr. Brown explains how to evaluate your personal risk of developing osteoporosis. She offers hope when she says "it is never too late to begin building healthy bone. Even the aged confined to wheelchairs have been able to build bone mass with simple exercises and modest nutritional supplementation." Dr. Brown then provides comprehensive instructions for individualizing a program to suit your needs. The basics of osteoporosis prevention and reversal are sound nutritional practices and regular strength-building exercise. Dr. Brown offers guidelines and examples for making those basics a part of your lifestyle.