5 important things to know about osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones and causes them to become brittle. It’s often called a "silent" condition because there are no symptoms until you break a bone. In many cases, a fracture in your wrist, hip, or spine is the first sign of a problem.

The good news is that osteoporosis is manageable. Learning all you can about it is the first step to taking charge of your bone health. Here are some key facts to know about the condition.

Bones change with age

Anyone can develop osteoporosis at any age. But the risk increases as you grow older. More than 50 million people in the United States ages 50 and over have osteoporosis or osteopenia, a condition that indicates low bone mass. It tends to affect women more than men, especially after menopause, when hormonal changes can speed bone loss.

Your family history affects your bone health

Your race, ethnicity, and family history affect your chances of developing osteoporosis. White people and people of Asian descent have an increased risk, as do people with a parent who has a history of the condition.

Body build matters

Having a small frame or naturally thin bones means you start with an increased risk of eventually having brittle bones. But you can take steps to reduce that risk by taking some preventive steps. These include getting regular exercise and eating a diet rich in foods containing calcium and vitamin D. Having regular checkups with a healthcare provider (HCP) is also essential if you have a predisposition toward osteoporosis.

Early treatment can help slow bone loss

If you have osteoporosis or mild bone thinning, there are many things you can do to help prevent and minimize long-term complications. It starts with your HCP, who may prescribe you medication to slow bone loss, such as bisphosphonates or hormone-related drugs. Beginning early in the course of the disease to establish a treatment program and making lifestyle adjustments can help you keep your bones in good shape over the long haul.

You can take steps to help lower your risk of osteoporosis

While there are some factors related to bone loss that you can't control—like your age, family history, and build. But there are many other preventive steps you can take. These include:

• Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, as well as plenty of leafy green vegetables
• Staying physically active, with weight-bearing exercises in particular, such as walking, jogging, or lifting weights
• Being mindful of side effects of the medications you take, because certain drugs may encourage bone thinning
• Minimizing or cutting out smoking and drinking alcohol, both of which can make bones weak

With a holistic plan designed to improve your overall well-being, you can also make substantial investments in the health of your bones.