Osteoporosis is common. In fact, one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. But osteoporosis isn’t inevitable if we just incorporate some precautions into our daily lives. National Osteoporosis Month aims to highlight those precautions and the importance of bone health.

Like a lot of the diseases and health conditions we discuss on our blog and in our educational materials, osteoporosis can be prevented by eating healthy and exercising regularly. Consuming a well-rounded diet with essential vitamins and minerals and strengthening bones and muscles through exercise are two proven ways to stave off this common bone disease.

Learn more about osteoporosis and what you can do during this observation to help with the resources below.

May is National Osteoporosis Month

National Osteoporosis Foundation

In honor of National Osteoporosis Month, take some time to learn more about how to support healthy, strong bones and prevent the development of osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation encourages the public to “get social and stay bone strong”.

Food and Your Bones — Osteoporosis Nutrition Guidelines

National Osteoporosis Foundation

Calcium and vitamin D are two nutrients that are essential to healthy, strong bones. Learning what foods are rich in these nutrients can help you help your patients/clients make smarter choices about nutrition to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Effect of Dietary Protein Intake on Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Incidence in Older Adults in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study

The Journals of Gerontology

This Health, Aging and Body Composition Study examines the effects of protein intake on bone density and fracture incidence in older adults. Dietary recommendations may underestimate the amount of protein necessary for optimal bone health in older adults.