Calcium and vitamin D are essential minerals for preventing osteoporosis and promoting bone mass. If you don't get enough calcium, your body will extract it from your bones, which can lead to bone loss. This can cause bones to become weak and brittle, leading to osteoporosis. The only natural source of vitamin D is sunlight, but some people may need more than this minimum amount; therefore, supplements are available. Smoking, alcohol abuse, poor diet, and lack of exercise also contribute to losing bone mass. The most common symptom of osteoporosis is a fracture. A fracture is any breakage or tear in a bone that allows the bone to split or crack. Fractures may be simple or complex. Simple fractures may heal without surgery or other treatment if allowed time to do so. Complex fractures require surgery to repair the damage and hold the bones together. Older adults are at high risk for fractures because their bones are less dense than those of younger adults. Also, older adults tend to have more health problems that prevent them from exercising or eating properly. These factors combine to make them more likely to suffer from osteoporosis-related fractures. Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that can never be cured but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of breaking bones.