Some people are at risk for losing bone mass, but haven't progressed to full-blown osteoporosis. In other words, their bodies break down old bone faster than they can produce new bone. Doctors call this condition osteopenia.
The American Academy of Family Physicians says risk factors for osteopenia include:
- Getting older.
- Starting menopause before age 45.
- Having surgery to remove the ovaries before menopause.
- Getting insufficient physical activity.
- Drinking too much alcohol, smoking or other use of tobacco.
- Having an eating disorder.
- Having an overactive thyroid.
Health Tip: Help Strengthen Your Bones
Weight-bearing exercises help strengthen bones and muscles by making them work against gravity.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions for weight-bearing exercise:
- Go for a walk, jog or run.
- Play tennis, racquetball or field hockey.
- Climb a few long flights of stairs.
- Play basketball, soccer or grab a jump rope.
- Turn up the music and start dancing.
- Kick a soccer ball around.
- Go for a hike.
- Lift some weights.
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