Health Tip: Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Thursday, July 17, 2008; 10:00 AM

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(HealthDay News) -- Osteoporosis -- caused when the body can't replace bone calcium as fast as it is lost -- is common as people age, particularly among women.

More than 1.5 million Americans each year sustain a bone fracture related to osteoporosis.

Here are common risk factors for osteoporosis, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Getting older.
• Not doing enough weight-bearing exercises.
• Insufficient estrogen levels after menopause.
• Not getting enough calcium or vitamin D in your diet.
• Certain hormonal imbalances.
• Heredity, including being white or Asian.
• Drinking alcohol or smoking.