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Publication Date: June 2010

Strong bones are important for good health. They give our bodies support, help us move, and protect us from injuries. Bones also store minerals that our bodies need to stay healthy. There are things you can do to keep your bones strong and healthy. Some of these include:

• Eating healthy, well-balanced meals
• Getting regular exercise
• Not smoking or drinking too much alcohol.

These healthy behaviors can help you prevent osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and more likely to break. In fact, half of all women and one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Most will break a bone in the hip, spine, or wrist.

If you have ever broken a bone, you already know how painful it can be. Even after a broken bone heals, many people continue to have pain for a long time and may need help getting around and taking care of themselves.

Osteoporosis is a real risk for older Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Younger women and men with certain risk factors can also get osteoporosis. For example, about 90 percent of Asian Americans are lactose intolerant, which means they have trouble digesting dairy products. Dairy products contain calcium, a mineral that is very important for strong bones. Also, many Asian Americans are small and thin, which increases the chance of getting osteoporosis.

You have the power to prevent or delay osteoporosis. Find out if you are at increased risk by answering the questions below:

1. Have broken a bone after age 45
2. Have a mother or father who broke a hip
3. Have a diet that is low in milk and dairy products
4. Smoke cigarettes
5. Drink more than one or two alcoholic beverages a day
6. Have diabetes
7. Are a cancer survivor
8. Exercise less than 3 to 5 days per week
9. Are small and thin
10. Are a woman who has been through menopause.

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to protect your bones. Following are free resources to help you learn more about your bone health and risk factors for osteoporosis.

For more information on:	Call toll free:	Or visit:
Alcohol	800–624–2663	www.bones.nih.gov
Asthma	800–624–2663	www.bones.nih.gov
Bone Health and Osteoporosis from the U.S. Surgeon General	800–624–2663	www.bones.nih.gov
Breast and Prostate Cancer	800–624–2663	www.bones.nih.gov
Diabetes	800–624–2663 800–860–8747	www.bones.nih.gov www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov
Exercise	800–624–2663	www.bones.nih.gov
Lactose Intolerance	800–891–5389	www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
Menopause	800–222–2225	www.nia.nih.gov
Nutrition	800–624–2663	www.bones.nih.gov
Osteoporosis and Seniors	800–222–2225 (Online only)	www.nia.nih.gov www.nihseniorhealth.gov
Risk Factors (Check Up On Your Bones Web tool)	(Online only)	www.bones.nih.gov
Smoking	800–624–2663	www.bones.nih.gov

Do you have osteoporosis or another bone disease? You may be able to help scientists learn more about these conditions. For information about research projects near your home, call the NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center at 800–624–BONE (624–2663) or visit www.bones.nih.gov. You could make a difference!