A few risk factors for osteoporosis and how to prevent them

Osteoporosis is a relatively common condition which makes bones weak and more likely to break. Here are some factors most likely to put you at risk of osteoporosis and how you can reduce them:

Unfortunately, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing osteoporosis.

A history of breaking bones:

• First, if you have a history of breaking bones, you are at risk.
• If you are 65 or older and have broken a bone after a straightforward fall since the age of 40, or if a parent experienced a hip fracture, you may be more at risk for osteoporosis.
• Frequent falls (more than twice in the last 12 months), an unsteady walk, or walking with a cane also put you in a higher risk category.

Early menopause

• Women who have experienced early menopause (before the age of 45), or whose periods have stopped for months may also be at risk.

Medications

• Medications that can increase risk include aromatase inhibitors taken for breast cancer, or hormonal treatments taken for prostate cancer.

Other diseases

• Certain medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, chronic liver disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can also increase your risk.

Weight

• Weight can be a factor. For example, if you weigh below 60kg, or have lost over 10% of your body weight since the age of 25, you may be at risk.

Lifestyle

• Other factors which make osteoporosis more likely include smoking or drinking three or more alcoholic beverages per day.

The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, including:

Exercise

• Get regular exercise---especially weight-bearing and resistance exercise. Work all the muscle groups at least twice a week.

Diet

• Have a healthy, balanced diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D. When it's sunny, catch some rays for Vitamin D, or eat milk, eggs and oily fish.
• Calcium is found in dairy products as well as leafy green vegetables.
• Finally, stop smoking and limit your alcohol intake.

Talk to your doctor

• Recent X-rays showing a spinal fracture or low bone mineral density may mean you're more likely to develop osteoporosis.
• Talk to your doctor about having a bone mineral density (BMD) check and fracture risk assessment if you are 50 or older and have at least one of the above risk factors.
• You should also have a BMD check if you are over 50 and have a forward curvature of the back or have lost 2cm in height since your youth.

Osteoporosis is a common condition, but that doesn't make a diagnosis any better. Although it can be a debilitating condition, there are many ways you can prevent it as you age. Start living a healthy lifestyle now!