WHAT IF I'M NOT GETTING ENOUGH CALCIUM OR VITAMIN D?
Not getting enough calcium can lead to a disease called osteoporosis. This is a condition where your bones become fragile and can break easily. The most common bones affected include the hip, backbone (spine) and wrist. Many people don't realize they have osteoporosis until after they break a bone, which means that their bones had been losing strength for years.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR OSTEOPOROSIS?
Approximately 10 million people have osteoporosis. The disease mostly affects white and Asian women, but others are vulnerable as well, including men.
WOMEN WITH THE GREATEST RISK INCLUDE THOSE WHO:
Have a family history of broken bones or osteoporosis
Have not gotten enough calcium throughout their lives
Have broken a bone as an adult
Had extended bed rest
Had surgery to remove their ovaries before their periods stopped
Used certain medicines for a long time
Had early menopause
Have a small body frame
Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation.