Patients should be mindful of osteoporosis risk factors

Osteoporosis can be difficult to detect. A prescription to buy Fosamax may help a patient improve their bone strength, but the medication is no good if the individual does not know they have the condition. For this reason, experts urge individuals to be aware of their risk factors.

Common factors that contribute to the development of osteoporosis include female gender, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, an unhealthy diet and a frail body frame. Any person who falls into one or more of these categories should consider talking to their doctor about what they can do about their risk.

"People of all ages can help promote good bone and muscle health by ensuring that they have a healthy diet rich in calcium and protein, enough vitamin D and taking regular weight-bearing exercise."said Patrice McKenney, CEO of the International Osteoporosis Foundation, which recently launched a partnership with Nestle to raise awareness of the issue.

Starting to live a healthy lifestyle early on is one of the best ways to reduce osteoporosis risk later in life. The majority of a person's bone density is formed by early adulthood and diminishes over time. However, this loss can be slowed by eating healthy and avoiding other risk factors.