Healthy choices may reduce your risk for osteoporosis, which makes bones weak and prone to breaking. For starters:
- Enjoy a balanced diet. Be sure to include bone-boosting calcium and vitamin D. Low-fat dairy products pack a lot of calcium. So do tofu and dark green leafy veggies. Look for milk and breakfast cereals fortified with vitamin D.
- Get regular exercise. Weight-bearing exercises — such as walking — can help bone health. Exercise also helps your muscle strength and balance, which may help you avoid falling.*
- If you smoke, stop. Smoking makes it harder for your body to absorb calcium.
- Avoid excessive alcohol. Drinking a lot of alcohol is linked to osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about alcohol use.
Consider a screening
You can have osteoporosis and not know it. Talk to your doctor about your risk and whether you should have a bone-density test. Some people may need to take medicines to help stop bone loss.
*For safety’s sake, talk with your doctor before increasing your activity level.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases