Bone loss accelerates suddently in menopausal women because the drop in estrogen levels causes an increase in the resorption (teardown) of existing bone.  Age-related bone loss is also caused by decrease in the formation of new bone tissue.  

Things that help prevent Osteoporosis:

• Engage in weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise
• Walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs and dancing
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption
• A healthy diet including getting enough Calcium and Vitamin D
  • Dairy products ~ milk, cheese, yogurt
  • Green vetgtables ~ spinach, kale, soybeans
  • Seafood ~ salmon, tuna, shrimp
  • Citrus juices ~ orange, grapefruit, pineapple

National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends:

• Women 50 and younger                      1000mg calcium/day
• Women 51 and older                           1200mg calcium/day
• Men 70 and younger                           1000mg calcium/day
• Men 71 and older                                1200mg calcium/day

Don't forget about Vitamin D, which enables your body to absorb calcium.  Most adults under age 50 need 400-800 international units (IU)/day and most adults over age 50 need 800-1,000 IU/day.

Always discuss your diet, exercise program and supplements with your Healthcare Provider.