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Osteoporosis Prevention
There's a lot you can do to increase your bone strength and minimize your risk of developing osteoporosis. This week, Chad shows you why today is the day to begin preventing this disease.
Osteoporosis is an age-related disorder in which bones gradually become thinner, more porous, and less able to support the body. It is a silent and potentially disabling disease that creates fragile bones--bones that often break. It mainly affects sedentary, post-menopausal women: By the time a woman reaches the age of 70, she may have lost as much as 30 percent of her bone density.
Risk Factors
Certain factors are linked to the development of osteoporosis or contribute to an individual's likelihood (risk) of developing the disease.
These risk factors include: - gender (female)
- age (the older you are, the higher the risk)
- body size (small, thin-boned women are at greater risk)
- ethnicity (Caucasian and Asian women)
- family history of osteoporosis
- menopause (increases risk)
- smoking
- drinking
- sedentary (inactive) lifestyle
- diets low in vitamin D and calcium
Fortunately, even if you're a candidate for osteoporosis, there are preventive measures you can take to reinforce your bone strength and lower your risk.
 Preventive Measures
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