Healthy Habits to Prevent or Reduce Problems From Osteoporosis
Topic Overview
You can slow the onset of Reference osteoporosis Opens New Window or reduce its impact if you form habits that build and strengthen your bones.
It is best if you start healthy habits early in life, but it's never too late. Habits that build and strengthen bones include:
- Eating a nutritious diet that includes adequate amounts of Reference calcium and vitamin D. Both are needed for building healthy, strong bones.
- Getting regular exercise. Weight-bearing exercises—such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights—keep bones healthy by working the muscles and bones against gravity.
To maintain healthy bones as an adult:
- Don't drink too much. Women who drink more than 1 Reference alcoholic drink Opens New Window a day, or men who drink more than 2 a day, are at higher risk for osteoporosis. See pictures of Reference standard alcoholic drinks Opens New Window Reference
Opens New Window. - Don't smoke. Smoking puts you at a much higher risk for developing osteoporosis. Smokers lose bone density faster than people who do not smoke.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference November 6, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine |
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