teen girls who smoke may face an increased risk for osteoporosis
later in life. a study of over two hundred girls ages eleven to
nineteen found those who smoked had lower bone mineral density
in areas that are particularly vulnerable to fracture later in
life -- like the lumbar spine and hip. experts say the teenage
years are critical for bone accumulation, and smoking appears to
interfere with the process. depression also interfered with bone
mass accumulation, but to a lesser degree than smoking. the
girls in the study fell below recommended national guidelines
for calcium intake and physical activity, so more studies are
needed.