The skeletal system is made up of bones that are living and growing tissue. Bones keep growing in length, strength, and density until the bone density peaks around the age of 20. After this, there is a gradual decline in bone density. However, for some people, the bony tissues are lost faster than they are replaced. Osteoporosis, as the name indicates, is a condition where the bones become porous. This makes the bones fragile and weak and thus more prone to injuries such as fractures. It is osteoporosis that is the reason why falls that would normally be inconsequential result in broken bones.

Osteoporosis related fractures are very common with one in five men and one in three women over the age of fifty at a risk for such a fracture. When such a fracture occurs it is usually at the hip, wrist or spine. A hip or spine fracture has many other consequences that can have a severe impact on the person’s quality of life. Osteoporosis related fractures in the elderly can even make them dependent on others or be life-threatening. Osteoporosis is easily preventable and even if one is diagnosed with this condition appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes can reverse it.

Prevention of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can be prevented by taking adequate care of one’s bone health from childhood. Since bone mass increases and peaks by the age of 20 it is important that children and teenagers have a diet the gives them adequate nutrition. This should include vitamin D and calcium so that their bones reach their highest bone mass and are healthy. It is important to not be exposed to second-hand smoke and to maintain an active lifestyle.

When a person reaches adulthood it is important to continue the steps that were taken through childhood to develop healthy bones. In addition to this, it is also important to avoid malnourishment because of busy lifestyles or unscientific weight-loss diets. In addition to being active, including load-bearing activities in one’s fitness routine will strengthen bones. Avoid overuse of alcohol, tea, coffee, and aerated drinks

Lifestyle Treatments for Osteoporosis
The most important lifestyle treatments for the management of osteoporosis are

• Be Diligent In Treatment
  Do not discontinue treatment without consulting a doctor or miss doses of medication. Staying on the prescribed medications and supplements will help restore bone health over time.
• Diet
  Eating a diet that is rich in the nutrients that are required for strong bones will help you turn your bone health around.
• Avoid Falls
  When one is aware that one’s bones are fragile, it is natural that falls should be avoided. While accidents can always happen, it pays to eliminate obvious fall risks. The very first and most simple step is to install handrails where needed, wear appropriate footwear, keep one’s spectacle prescription updated and fall-proof one’s home.
• Get Moving
  Being told to avoid falls might sound like orders to stay in one place and avoid activity. However, it is very important to get enough exercise that includes load-bearing ones.
• Keep At It
  Do not discontinue any of the lifestyle treatments for osteoporosis once your bones are recovered. Bones are living tissue and being careless of them will lead to them deteriorating yet again.