If you think osteoporosis is an old woman’s disease, you are wrong! Instead, health research shows that bone loss starts insidiously in young adulthood.

During childhood, your bones grow rapidly. They double in mass at least twice until yo attain puberty. During adolescence, bone mass doubles again. By this time, you have almost all of the bone you need to carry your adult years healthily.

In your mid-20s, bone mass peaks. The pendulum swings other way in your 30s and you lose more bone than you build. Of course, Women lose bone faster due to declining estrogen.

Reasons for bone loss:

• Less physical activity
• Low calcium intake
• Decreased ability to absorb calcium, as one gets older
• Chronic stress

Strategies to stop bone loss:

Increase calcium intake

Enjoy yogurt, beans, fat-free milk, leafy green vegetables, and calcium-enriched juices, soy foods, cereals, and cottage cheese.

Stay aerobically active

Walk, jog or bike at least 30 minutes in a day. It helps to lower excess body fat and strengthen your leg bones and muscles.

Lift weights at least twice a week

It can help increase muscle mass and strength, build bones and increase calorie burn.

Try something new

Simply jump – straight up and down – for 2 minutes. This is the best exercise to prevent osteoporosis But, don’t lock your knees when you land, and also wear athletic shoes. The jolt your hipbones get makes them build more bone. Yoga, qigong, Tai Chi, martial arts, and Pilates also help get strong bones.

Keep stress levels under control

Learn how to turn it off with simple meditation done throughout the day.