Osteoporosis is a condition that results from excessive bone loss as we age.  Bones become thin and brittle and are more likely to break.  Loss of bone occurs gradually after about age 30. Loss increases between age 45 - 55 when testosterone production declines in men, and estrogen production declines in women. Although men and women can both develop osteoporosis, women are the more likely candidates since their bones are smaller and lighter compared to men.

The critical factors that determine if a person develops osteoporosis include the density of bones a person developed during childhood - the reserve they have to spare - and the health, diet, and activity habits they follow throughout their adult lives.

Osteoporosis is a serious condition.  There are many things you can do to prevent it.  Following, are five key steps to take action against osteoporosis. 

• Eat Healthy.

  Eat a well-balanced diet that provides adequate calcium, and vitamin D. For adults aged 60+, aim for 1200 mg calcium and 1000 IU vitamin D. Avoid strict dieting that will limit your intake of bone-building nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. If you cannot tolerate dairy products, substitute other high calcium foods.

• Be Active.     

  Weight-bearing exercise - such as walking, dancing, yard-work or gardening, and tumbling with your grandchildren - help maintain bone strength.  Exercise also improves balance and helps prevent falls which or a risk factor for bone fractures.

• Get checked.

  For women aged 50 - 64, your doctor may recommend a bone mineral test if you are at risk for osteoporosis.  A bone mineral density test is recommended for all women aged 65+ at least once.  Additional tests and treatment are based on this initial test.

• Be Smoke free.

  Numerous studies link smoking to osteoporosis in both women and men.  The precise cause is not determined because many factors are involved. People who smoke share many risk factors of non-smokers who develop osteoporosis. For example, many smokers are thinner than nonsmokers, tend to drink more alcohol, may be less physically active, and have poor diets.

• Be positive.

  Osteoporosis is a serious problem. With a lifestyle of healthy habits, you can take action to prevent it. Be proactive and take action.