Talk to your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis
If you are taking any of the medications mentioned in this fact sheet, or suffer from any of the medical
conditions, talk to your doctor about doing a more in-depth assessment of your bone health. To determine
existing bone loss, your doctor may suggest you have a bone mineral density (BMD) test. This is a painless
test that can help to predict your likelihood of fracture. Your doctor will also need to take into
consideration your age, gender, fracture history, family history and glucocorticoid use to determine your
10-year absolute fracture risk. If you have been on glucocorticoid medication for three months or more, and
have had a fragility (low-trauma) fracture after the age of 40, you will be considered at high risk to
fracture again.
Consume adequate calcium and vitamin D
Osteoporosis Canada publishes the fact sheet Calcium: An Essential Element for Bone Health that can help you
determine if you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet or whether you need a supplement.
Vitamin D is found in some foods and is produced by the interaction of the sun on our skin. In our northern
climate, there isn't enough sunlight from October to March for this to happen, and the amount of vitamin D in
a normal diet is not adequate; therefore, a vitamin D supplement is recommended.
Take part in regular physical activity
Physical activity, especially weight-bearing and weight-resistance exercises, builds and maintains strong
bones. Unfortunately, many of the diseases for which glucocorticoids are prescribed limit the person's
ability to be physically active. Most people are able to do some walking, which is an ideal exercise for
bones. Talk to a physiotherapist about an activity that will suit you. OC publishes the fact sheet Physical
Activity that provides some general guidelines to choose the exercise that is right for you.
Don't smoke, drink alcohol in moderation, and avoid excess caffeine
Smoking contributes to bone loss and increases the risk of osteoporosis in both men and women. Heavy drinkers
are prone to bone loss and fractures. OC recommends no more than two drinks of alcohol a day. Calcium loss
through the urine is increased by the consumption of excess caffeine. OC recommends no more than four cups a
day of coffee, cola or some energy drinks.
