Osteoporosis This is a condition that involves loss of bone mass that often occurs as people age; loss of bone mass weakens bones and creates an increased risk of fracture. Loss of bone mass can also be caused by certain medical conditions and by certain medications, such as corticosteroids, used to treat some illnesses.

Bone Density Tests: A bone density test measures bone density at different sites of the body. This test can determine if a person has low bone mass. A person with low bone mass is at increased risk of fracture.

Calcium: A mineral contained in dairy products and dark leafy vegetables. Calcium is needed by the human body to make and maintain strong bones and muscles.

Calcium-fortified: Foods that have had calcium added to them such as juice, bread, soy milk, and cereal.

Calcium Supplements: These are calcium pills or tablets which can be taken if a person can not get enough calcium in her or his diet. There are different kinds of calcium supplements, such as calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. You can discuss the differences with your health care provider or pharmacist.

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are medicines like prednisone and prednisolone which are used to treat certain medical conditions. A side effect (or bad effect) of corticosteroids is that they can cause osteoporosis.

Eating Disorders: Change in eating habits to become excessively thin, such as anorexia (not eating enough food) or bulimia (eating a lot, then making yourself throw-up).

Estrogen: A female hormone which has many functions in a woman's body, including regulating bone growth and activity. A woman's body usually stops making this hormone when she is in her early 50's. As a result of not having this hormone, some women lose bone mass faster than others.

Risk Factors: Risk factors are reasons that someone may be more likely to get a particular disease or condition, such as osteoporosis. For example, using corticosteroid medications is a "risk factor" for osteoporosis.

Some risk factors cannot be changed, such as your sex, family history of osteoporosis, or hereditary makeup.

Some risk factors can be changed. Risk factors that may be changed are called "modifiable" risk factors. These include riskd such as improper diet, excess alcohol intake, smoking, and lack of exercise.

Vitamin D: A nutrient resulting from sunshine that helps the body absorb calcium. Vitamin D is found in most multivitamins and is often added to dairy products.

Weight-bearing Exercise: Weight-bearing exercise is exercise that forces you to work against gravity. Think of it this way - gravity is trying to pull you off your feet. Weight-bearing exercise is exercise on your feet - activities like walking, hiking, jogging, dancing, jump-roping, and playing tennis.