• Have a family history of osteoporosis
• Have small bones and slender frame
• Are of Caucasian or Asian descent
• Had previously broken a bone from a minor injury (as an adult)
• Are a women who had early menopause (before age 45)
• Are physically inactive
• Smoke
• Have more than one alcoholic drink a day
• Consume excess amounts of protein or salt
• Use certain medications, including steroids or excess thyroid hormone
• Don't get enough calcium (now or as a child)

The more factors you can check off above, the greater your risk of osteoporosis. And if you're over 35, chances are bone loss has already occurred. While you can't reverse the first 5 factors listed here, you can control the others. Now is the time to make the appropriate changes to protect your bones - because osteoporosis is easier to prevent than treat.

Use 'em or lose 'm. Your bones stay stronger when they are “pressed into service” with regular physical activity.