Osteoporosis Not A Normal Part Of Aging, Expert Says. In a piece for US News & World Report (5/17), Endocrine Society member Vafa Tabatabaie

an assistant professor of Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, wrote, “Osteoporosis is an insidious disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone or both,” and “not a normal part of aging.” Figures from the National Osteoporosis Foundation show that “more than half of the US adult population over age 50 is at risk of breaking a bone and should be concerned about bone health.” Younger people should know that “proper nutrition and physical activity are critical to reaching peak bone mass and preventing broken bones later in life.” For older adults at risk, a physician can order bone density test screening. Those at risk can make “lifestyle changes” to both “diet and exercise.” If necessary, “prescription osteoporosis medications” may help prevent fractures. The Endocrine Society’s Centennial website provides additional bone health resources. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2016-05-17/maintaining-bone-health-is-important-for-healthy-aging