Quick Answers
Can I reduce my risk of developing osteoporosis?
About 45% of a person's bone mass is formed during the
teen years. While it is never too late to begin,
adolescence and young adulthood is a good time to form
the health habits that can help prevent the early onset
of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis or "brittle bones" can
affect both men and women, but it's almost eight times
more common in women. This thinning of the bones happens
naturally with age, but in some people the bones become
so brittle and fragile that they easily break. About 1.3
million older people suffer fractures each year due to
osteoporosis. You can't control all the risk factors,
such as age and being female, but there are many others
you can control. Make weight-bearing exercise such as
walking, running, or dancing part of your daily
activity. Make sure you are getting enough calcium. If
you smoke, stop, and if you drink, drink only lightly or
moderately.
Gail Carlson, MPH Ph.D., Continuing Medical Education, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia
Can't Find Your Question Here? Try
Searching Our Quick Answer Knowledge Base
Last update: Wednesday, November 26, 2008
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
