PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Osteoporosis can be a serious health issue as we get older, but there are some things you can do when you are young to prevent it.
There are several things that put you at greater risk for osteoporosis as you get older. First, women are at greater risk than men. And if you are thin, white, a smoker and someone who rarely exercises, the risk increases as well.
So, what can you do to reduce your chances?
Clearly, we can't control our genetics. But we can stop smoking and increase the amount of exercise — especially muscle-building exercise.
Another important thing is increasing calcium and vitamin D intake. We get vitamin D from the sun and also through fortification in products like milk. A new study suggests that calcium supplementation as early as age 35 can also make a big difference.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
