Preventing Osteoporosis

Get the facts

YES! We can all take steps to prevent osteoporosis, and we can help each other to avoid this disease. This section of the site discusses the importance of eating right, exercising, and talking with your doctor about osteoporosis. Help the people you love who are at risk or currently dealing with osteoporosis by staying informed and supporting their efforts to make good choices to protect their bones.

Here are the most important steps to take:

	Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and take supplements if necessary. These minerals cannot fully prevent or cure osteoporosis, but when you don’t get enough of them, bone loss will occur.
	Do weight-bearing and resistance exercise. Like muscle, bone gets stronger with exercise. Also, regular exercise (three times per week) improves mobility and balance which reduces the risk of falls and fractures.
	Reduce smoking and alcohol intake. These habits make it difficult for your body to make use of calcium that is important in building bone.
	Be informed and talk with your doctor. Even though osteoporosis is common, a survey of women ages 45-75 indicates that three out of four women have never spoken to their physician about the disease. Discuss your risks for developing osteoporosis and ask if you need a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test. Know the prevention or treatment plan that is best for you.
	Take medication when appropriate. If you and your doctor agree on a treatment plan, follow guidelines for your medication.