How Women Can Have Better Bone Health
Women should know they can do a lot to help strengthen and preserve their bones, a U.S. health newsletter reports.
To promote bone health in women, the Harvard Women’s Health Watch advises maintaining a healthy diet that provides bone-building nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D.
Women should get at least 30 minutes of bone strengthening exercise a day, quit smoking because smokers have higher fracture rates and get at bone mineral density test beginning at age 65 — earlier for women who have conditions that increase risk.
Women who have had a fracture should take an osteoporosis drug. Studies have found women with a history of major depression have lower bone density and higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone related to bone loss.
Women who weigh less than 127 pounds are at risk for osteoporosis. Losing weight during the menopause increases the likelihood of losing bone.