It may not be possible to prevent osteoporosis but you can often reduce the risk of fracture or pain.
- See your doctor about your diet and calcium supplements. Your doctor may also recommend a bone scan that will reveal if your bones are becoming brittle.
- Try to reduce the risk of falls. Practice simple balance exercises, while remaining as active and strong as possible. Also consider wearing padding around your hips when you jog, cycle, or hike.
- Certain exercises help to maintain or improve bone density. For the long leg bones, weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, step aerobics can be beneficial. For the spine, exercises that strengthen your back extensors are vital.
- Always maintain good posture when you sit, stand and walk. Stooping puts more stress on your vertebrae often contributing to their collapse. Try to remain as tall as possible, as much as possible.