Combined Skills Exercise 1

Read the selection and then choose the correct response to each question.

¹Calcium is a mineral Americans desperately need. ²It is plentiful, but we don't seem to like its sources. ³For example, calcium can be found in milk and cheese. ⁴In addition, it is also found in sardines, broccoli, collard greens, oysters, soybeans, tofu, and salmon. ⁵For some, these foods may not be favorites, but calcium also can be found in ice cream, yogurt, cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, and orange juice. ⁶Therefore, we really have many choices, but Americans do not seem to grasp the importance of making sure we get enough calcium on a daily basis. ⁷Instead of juice or milk, we drink a soda or coffee. ⁸And when was the last time we had sardines or tofu?

⁹If we don't take in enough calcium on a regular basis, our body borrows it from our bones. ¹⁰As a result, especially in women, the bones will weaken over time and be easily broken. ¹¹Calcium can even help women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome. ¹²In addition, calcium may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

¹³Small children can get by with about 500 milligrams per day, and as children get older, the amount should increase. ¹⁴Most adults need about 1,000 milligrams per day. ¹⁵Interestingly, teenagers and older adults need the most calcium--at least 1,200 milligrams per day. ¹⁶A slice of cheese pizza has a little over 220 milligrams of calcium. ¹⁷So how hard can it be to meet the daily requirements? ¹⁸We don't even have to eat sardines to improve our health.