Rheumatologist’s Top Habits for Women’s Bone Health

Health Points

• Screen for bone density early if risks like family history or medications apply, rather than waiting until age 65—talk to your doctor.
• Ensure children build peak bone mass by age 18 with calcium-rich foods like salmon, kale, chia seeds, hard tofu, and soy milk, aiming for 1,300 mg daily for kids over 4 and adults, avoiding reliance on supplements.
• Never smoke, limit alcohol to fewer than three drinks daily, exercise for strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination, plus add home safety like handrails, lighting, and non-skid pads to prevent falls.

Strong bones help ward off osteoporosis, which disproportionately affects women over 50.

Low bone mass impacts 51.5% of women versus 33.5% of men in this group, with osteoporosis rates rising among women from 2007 to 2018.

“About 10 million people in this country over the age of 50 have osteoporosis,”

says rheumatologist Dr. Natalie Azar.

“And we will have about 1.5 million fractures occurring in those people,”

with 80% in females.

“I would never wait until a fracture to start thinking about osteoporosis,”

Dr. Azar advises.

Embrace these positive changes now to maintain vitality and strong bones as you age—schedule a check-up today.

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