By being aware of the factors that contribute to osteoporosis, you can make sure that you’re not unknowingly putting yourself at risk. The major risk factors that can lead to osteoporosis are:

• Insufficient calcium in the diet
• Insufficient weight-bearing exercise
• Hormone changes during menopause
• Untreated digestive illnesses
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Excess amounts of alcohol, protein and phosphorus
• Insufficient vitamin D and magnesium
• Cigarette smoking

Once your bones have begun to degenerate it is very difficult to overcome the effects of osteoporosis. That's why it's important to ensure that your diet is rich in calcium right from childhood, and especially during the teenage years when your bones reach their maximum density. The more you can build up your bone density, the stronger your bones and teeth will be for the future.

That’s not to say that if you are past your teens, it’s too late to bother. Calcium and exercise are important for all ages, and in fact have been shown to substantially help reduce fractures and problems in the elderly years. Exercise itself builds strength and flexibility, both of which help to prevent falls in the first place.