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Bone health is an important issue that sometimes gets missed. As we age, our bones can weaken at a much faster pace, which makes paying attention to bone density especially important. Bone loss can lead to osteoporosis, a bone disease that affects millions of people. Common symptoms include loss of height, lower back pain, change in posture and bone fractures.

“Osteoporosis is a systemic condition in which the bones become structurally weak and are more likely to fracture,” says Bhushan Shrikhande, an endocrinologist with INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center. “If you have osteoporosis, several treatments are available to stabilize or improve bone density. Talk to your doctor about what your options might be.”

Strong bones support our daily life and independence.

• When bone density falls too low, small slips or falls can cause serious injuries.
• If we can catch these changes early, we can make choices to slow down bone loss and strengthen our bones.
• Osteoporosis usually has no obvious symptoms until a bone breaks.
• The risk of developing osteoporosis increases dramatically after age 50.
• Screening for osteoporosis is a great step to protect your health and well-being as we age.

Risk factors for bone loss

Not everyone’s bone health is affected in the same way. The risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures depends on genetics, lifestyle and health history.

Having a family member with osteoporosis increases our chances of bone loss.

• Habits like smoking, drinking alcohol and following a diet low in calcium or vitamin D raise risk.
• Health conditions such as early menopause, hyperthyroidism or using steroids for a long time also play a role.

Some risk factors cannot be changed, like ethnicity and genetics.

• However, we can improve bone strength by focusing on healthier habits and watching out for conditions that might speed up bone loss.

Prevention strategies

How to protect your bones: Early action is the best defense. Start bone-friendly habits as soon as possible. Simple shifts in how we eat, move and spend our time can help keep bones healthy for the long run.

• Get enough calcium each day (1,000 to 1,200 milligrams for adults) from food or supplements.
• Make sure your vitamin D intake is between 600 and 800 international units (IU) a day to help your body absorb calcium.
• Engage in weight-bearing activities like walking, jogging or dancing to keep bones strong. Balance training exercises are also encouraged to help prevent falls as you age.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol since both can weaken bone tissue.
• Ask your health care provider about getting a bone density exam and screening to monitor your bone health. 

Next steps: At INTEGRIS Health, our team is ready to guide you toward better bone health. Take the first step by connecting with a trusted expert. Find a doctor near you to explore how you can build and protect your bone health starting today.

• We offer bone density scans and blood tests to check for conditions that may contribute to osteoporosis.