Osteoporosis is a condition where bones get thin and can break easily. About 54 million Americans have or are at increased risk for getting osteoporosis. Age, female sex and family history are  major risk factors for getting thin bones  But it is important to know, having thin bones is not the medical problem

Fracture—breaking bones—is the problem.  Approximately one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year. Many others require long-term nursing home care.

But having thin bones does not automatically mean you will have a fracture. There are many paths to preventing fracture and deaths from fracture include building strong bones, preventing bone loss, decreasing falls, decreasing breaks from falls, preventing complications once a fall occurs.

There is a lot you can do to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

1) Eat a diet rich in calcium

• 2) Get enough vitamin D
• 3) Exercise to increase strength and balance
• 3) Do not drink in excess or smoke
• 4) Prevent falls (correct vision, well lighted rooms, build balance, use cane or walker, rubber soled shoes, remove rugs or cords etc.)
• 5) Talk to your doctor about health conditions or medications that increase your risk and take medications as needed

For more information on osteoporosis check out National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and AZ Stop Falls