Are you at risk of fracture?

Even post-menopausal women who eat healthy, exercise regularly and take care of their health can be vulnerable to broken hips or other fracture.

The Journal of the American Medical Association recently published an article about health factors that increase postmenopausal women's risk of fracture. The article profiled a 55-year-old woman with a healthy lifestyle who was surprised to learn she had low bone density, or osteopenia. Her risk of breaking a bone was higher than she realized because of her lower body weight, previous strokes and a family history of fractures -- health factors that she didn't know could have an impact on her bone health.

Your medical history or lifestyle habits may put you at greater risk of fracture, too. Some risk factors may be outside your control. But others, including smoking or having more than two alcoholic drinks per day, are within your power to change.

Taking daily Os-Cal calcium and vitamin D supplements can help to protect your bones from osteopenia, osteoporosis and painful, potentially disabling fracture. Learn about a new landmark study showing that only Os-Cal is proven to help reduce the risk of hip fracture 29%.

Talk to your doctor today

These two resources can help you to become more aware of your fracture risk

	Fracture risk factors This chart lists several factors that can increase postmenopausal women's risk of hip or spinal fracture, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. If any of the risk factors apply to you, discuss them with your doctor.
	Fracture risk calculator This online calculator asks five basic questions about your medical history and health and uses your answers to calculate your risk of fracture. If you can't answer these questions yourself, print them out and ask your doctor for help during your next appointment.

Don't wait until you're older, or until you have a fall. Have a conversation with your doctor today about steps you can take to strengthen your bones and avoid fracture.