Osteoporosis can sneak up on you. In this Health Smarts video, women's health expert Vonda Wright, MD, reveals 6 things to know about bone health and preventing osteoporosis. Learn how family history, body type and diet affect your bones.
Hi I'm Dr. Vonda Wright osteoporosis is a disease that can sneak up on you if you're not careful. Keep your bones healthy and strong by remembering these four facts. Bones can change with age. You can develop osteoporosis at any age but more than half the people in the United States over the age of 50 have osteoporosis.
Know your family history, if you're of Asian or non-Hispanic Caucasian, decent or have a parent with a history of osteoporosis or bone fractures, you're at a higher risk, your body type matters, if you have a small frame, naturally thin bones or you're female, you already start with a slight disadvantage.
You can overcome these factors with the right health choices and medical screening. And while there are some factors related to bone loss that you can't control there are plenty of factors you can and should control. Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, stay active and do weight bearing activities that can help you build strong bones.
Pay attention to the medications you're taking, and make smart life style choices like not smoking. For more ways to stay strong, watch all our health tips right here.
Osteoporosis affects both men and women. Learn about bone density screening and find out how good nutrition (especially vitamin D) and exercise, such as strength training, help build strong bones to prevent osteoporosis.
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