Bone Health
Osteoporosis
Most women stop building bone mass at age 30. It's important to get enough calcium in your diet and exercise regularly before that age to help your bones gain as much strength as possible. Eat calcium-rich foods fortified with Vitamin D and do weight-bearing exercises such as walking, stair-climbing and weight training. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, be sure to eat extra milk, yogurt and cheese to keep future bone problems at bay.
When you have osteoporosis, your bones become less dense on the inside and more likely to break. A fall, a lifting or twisting motion, or even a hug can easily break one or more of your bones if you have osteoporosis.
Screenings
An osteoporosis risk assessment and bone density screening can give you and your doctor important information about your bone health. If you meet some of the risk factors listed below, contact one of our women's centers to find out about our screening dates and times or to schedule an appointment.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
- Being a woman
- Early menopause
- History of an eating disorder
- Lack of physical activity or weight-bearing exercise
- Being underweight or having a slender body frame
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Your race (people of European and Asian backgrounds have a higher risk)
- Smoking cigarettes
- Excessive use of alcohol
- Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D