Strong bones are critical to warding off conditions like osteoporosis. While everyone’s bone mass tends to lessen as they age, low bone mass, a precursor for , is most common in women, per the . In fact, among adults older than 50 years old, 51.
5% of women suffer from low bone mass compared to 33.5 % of men. And from 2007 to 2018, prevalence in osteoporosis has increased, but only in women.
To help women better protect their bones, NBC medical contributor and rheumatologist Dr. Natalie Azar sat down with TODAY’s Hoda Kotb during a May 31 segment and shared the five habits she avoids that put her bones at risk. “About 10 million people in this country over the age of 50 have osteoporosis,” says Azar.
“And we will have about 1.5 million fractures occurring in those people.” Of those who get fractures, 80% are female.
While screening for bone density typically happens at age 65, certain medications, illnesses and family history contribute to your bone health and might make you a candidate for earlier screening, says Azar, so talk to your doctor. Girls, says Azar, typically achieve 90% of their peak bone mass at 18 and boys at 20. “In your mid-30s, you’re already starting to lose your bone mass,” says Azar.
So, ensure the children in your life are getting enough calcium, especially during puberty, when bone growth is most rapid. According to the , most children aren’t consuming enough calcium, so keep an eye out for foods that have 20% or more of the daily val.