The body is always making and losing (resorbing) bone. This process is called remodeling. Bone-making cells form new bone using calcium and other minerals. These minerals come from the food you eat.

Bone density testing is safe, quick, easy, and painless. Testing can detect osteoporosis before a fracture happens. It can also predict the risk of future fractures. And testing can measure the response to treatment.

Your body needs calcium to build and repair bones. But it can't make calcium on its own. That's why it's important to eat calcium-rich foods. Some foods are naturally rich in calcium. Others have calcium added.

Certain factors can speed up bone loss or decrease bone growth. For example, alcohol, cigarettes, and certain medicines reduce bone mass. Some foods make it hard for your body to absorb calcium.

If you have osteoporosis, you can do a lot to reduce its effect on your life. Knowing how to prevent fractures and spinal curvature can help you live more comfortably and safely with this disease.

A variety of exercises is best. Physical activity will slow further bone loss. It can also be fun.

Osteoporosis thins and weakens a person's bones, making them more porous (less dense) and fragile, and thus more likely to break. Although a fracture is often the first outward sign of osteoporosis, a bone mineral density test can help diagnose it before that happens.