Click the icon to see an image of osteoporosis.

Other Lifestyle Factors

Other lifestyle changes that can help prevent osteoporosis include:

• Limit alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking is associated with brittle bones.
• Limit caffeine consumption. Caffeine may interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium.
• Quit smoking. The risk for osteoporosis from cigarette smoking appears to diminish after quitting.

Preventing Falls and Fractures

An important component in reducing the risk for fractures is preventing falls. Risk factors for falling include:

• Slow walking
• Inability to walk in a straight line
• Certain medications (such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills)
• Low blood pressure when rising in the morning
• Poor vision

Recommendations for preventing falls or fractures from falls in elderly people include:

• Exercise to maintain strength and balance if there are no conflicting medical conditions.
• Do not use loose rugs on the floors.
• Move any obstructions to walking, such as loose cords or very low pieces of furniture, away from traveled areas.
• Rooms should be well lit.
• Have regular eye checkups.
• Consider installing grab bars in bathrooms especially near shower, tub, or toilet.

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Review Date: 10/21/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)