Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak, brittle and may break easily.
The National Women's Health Information Center offers these suggestions to help prevent osteoporosis:
- Get plenty of calcium by eating or drinking dairy products, or by taking calcium supplements.
- Get enough vitamin D, through exposure to sunlight (use sunscreen), supplements or milk products.
- Eat a diet rich in vitamins and protein.
- Get enough weight-bearing exercise (where your body works against gravity). Examples include lifting weights or climbing stairs.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use.
- Take medication to specifically treat or help prevent bone loss.
Smoking can affect many parts of your body, even your bones and joints.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these musculoskeletal problems that can be triggered by smoking:
- Increased risk of osteoporosis.
- Decreased bone density.
- Reduced ability to absorb calcium.
- Reduced protection provided by estrogen replacement therapy.
- Increased risk of hip fracture as a person ages.
- Increased risk of developing an exercise-related injury.
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