Treatment Options for Osteoporosis Risk Factors of Osteoporosis Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis Secondary Osteoporosis Impact of Osteoporosis FAQ External Links Glossary Gender as a Risk Factor for Osteoporosis Race as a Risk Factor for osteoporosis Hormones as a Risk Factor for Osteoporosis Effects of Lifestyle on Osteoporosis Drugs Prevention of Osteoporosis Modified from National Osteoporosis Foundation Osteoporosis is largely preventable for most people and luckily, it is never too early or too late to start your prevention program. Prevention of osteoporosis is very important because, while treatments do exist, there is currently no cure for the disease. Four Steps of Prevention Follow these four steps to help prevent the development of osteoporosis, but remember that no one step alone is enough to prevent the disease. Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise after consulting your healthcare professional Quit smoking and enjoy alcohol in moderation See your doctor about getting bone density testing Calcium Calcium is needed for the heart, muscles and nerves to function properly and for blood to clot.
Inadequate calcium is thought to contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
National nutrition surveys have shown that many women and young girls consume less than half the amount of calcium recommended to grow and maintain healthy bones. If you have difficulty getting enough calcium from the foods you eat, you may want to consider taking a calcium supplement. Vitamin D Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. A lack of vitamin D in the foods you eat can result in your body s natural defense to take its calcium supply from your bones. Saltwater fish Liver Sunlight Exercise Weight-bearing exercise is also important to maintain bone health.