Osteoporosis causes and prevention
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens your bones and makes them more likely to break. Learn about causes and tips to keep bones strong and healthy.
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens your bones and makes them more likely to break. Learn about causes and tips to keep bones strong and healthy.
People of any age can develop osteoporosis. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1 in 2 women and up to 1 in 4 men age 50 or older will break a bone due to this condition. See below for steps you can take to keep your bones healthy and slow bone loss.
It’s important to take care of your health and get the preventive care that your doctor recommends. See these recommendations for some of the most common preventive care.
As we age, our bodies become less able to absorb the calcium needed to support healthy bones. As a result, our bones may become weak or brittle and break easily. Usually this bone loss happens over several years.
Many other factors also contribute to osteoporosis. You can control some, but not all, of these factors.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease. You won’t be able to feel your bones weakening. Often, the first sign may be a broken bone in your hip, spine or wrist. Or you may notice you are getting shorter or your upper back is curving forward. Talk with your doctor as soon as you notice changes in your height or a curve in your spine.
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or prescribe drugs that can rebuild bone or slow the rate of bone loss. You’ll likely need to have follow-up visits with your doctor to check the success of your treatment plan in slowing bone loss.
It’s important to understand what’s medically recommended and what your specific plan covers. Use these resources to research. Find additional details in your benefit booklet.
Here’s how to keep bones healthy and prevent bone loss later in life
We need more calcium as we age, and vitamin D helps our body absorb that nutrient more efficiently. Dairy foods, fish and dark-green leafy vegetables like kale, collards and broccoli are high in calcium. You can get vitamin D from eggs, fatty fish, cereal and milk. Also talk with your doctor about supplements.
Weight-bearing exercises help build bones and keep them strong. They include activities that keep you on your feet, like walking, dancing, playing tennis or practicing your balance. Check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program to make sure it’s right for you.
Smoking causes your body to make less estrogen, a hormone that protects your bones. This is true for men and women. Check with your health plan to see if it offers a program to help you quit tobacco.
Heavy alcohol use can damage your bones and increase the chance of osteoporosis later in life.