1. Make an appointment with your doctor: certain medications can cause sedation and this should be discussed with your health care provider.

2. Physical Activity: Activities such as walking, or water workouts are a gentle exercises that reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.

3. Wear sensible shoes: wearing properly fitting, sturdy shoes with nonskid soles can prevent slips, stumbles, and falls.

4. Remove home hazards: remove boxes, newspapers, and cords away from walkways; move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas; immediately clean spilled liquids, grease or food.

5. Light up your living space: place night lights within reach of your bed for middle-of-the-night needs; make clear paths to light switches that aren't near room entrances.

Risk factors:

sex- women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than are men.

age- the older you get, the greater your risk of osteoporosis

race- you're at greatest risk of osteoporosis if you're white or of Asian descent

family history- having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk, especially if your mother or father experienced a hip fracture.

body frame size- men and women who have small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to draw from as they age.

thyroid problems- hyperthyroidism can cause bone loss.

Gender differences:

Under diagnosed in men

more common in women

Yogurt, most cheeses, and buttermilk are excellent sources of calcium and come in low-fat or fat-free versions.

Milk is also a good source of phosphorus and magnesium, which help the body absorb and use calcium.