Strong Bones, Stronger Future: Understanding and Preventing Osteoporosis
- Beth Parry
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness about bone health and empowering individuals to take steps toward preventing fractures and maintaining mobility and independence as they age.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them brittle and more likely to break. It’s often called the “silent disease” because it progresses without symptoms until a fracture occurs—commonly in the hip, spine, or wrist. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
Who is at Risk?
While osteoporosis can affect anyone, certain factors can increase your risk, including:
Age (risk increases after age 50)
Sex (women are at higher risk, especially postmenopausal)
Family history
Low body weight
Certain medications or medical conditions
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, and lack of physical activity
Prevention Starts Early
Bone health is something we should be thinking about at every stage of life. We start losing bone mass after the age of 30 years old. Prevention involves a mix of nutrition, movement, and lifestyle habits that support bone density.
Tips to Support Bone Health:
Calcium & Vitamin D: Aim for a calcium-rich diet (dairy, leafy greens, fortified foods) and safe sun exposure or supplements for vitamin D.
Weight-Bearing Exercise: Activities like walking, dancing, yoga, and strength training stimulate bone growth and slow bone loss.
Balance & Flexibility Training: Exercises that improve balance—like tai chi or balance-focused physical therapy—can reduce fall risk.
Avoid Smoking & Limit Alcohol: These habits can weaken bones over time.
Get Screened: Bone density tests (DEXA scans) are especially important for women over 65 and men over 70, or earlier if you have risk factors.
How We Can Help
At Wellness 360 Physical Therapy and Massage, we believe in a whole-person approach to bone health. Our team of physical therapists and movement specialists offers:
Bone-safe exercise programming
Fall prevention assessments
Postural training and education
Support for patients recovering from fractures
We also offer specialized classes, such as Yoga for Posture with Samana Lake, who uses the Fishman Method, which has been shown to improve bone density and promote alignment, balance, and body awareness—all essential for maintaining bone integrity. We also offer 360 Fitness, which focuses on strengthening exercises with precautions for Osteoporosis and Osteopenia. This class is great for improving posture, strength, and balance.
Join Us in Raising Awareness
Whether you’re concerned about your bone health or supporting a loved one with osteoporosis, education and early action are key. This May, we encourage you to:
Talk to your healthcare provider about bone density testing
Join one of our community classes or workshops
Share this blog to help others stay strong from the inside out
Let’s build a future where fewer people experience the pain and setbacks of osteoporosis—starting with awareness, education, and strong daily habits.