0-3 points: LOW RISK

Results: Are You at Risk for a Fracture?

According to your answers, you are at a low risk of fracturing a bone within the next five years. Only 1 to 2 women out of 100 in your situation suffer a hip fracture. That's good news.

Osteoporosis strikes many women -- and some men -- as they age. It makes your bones brittle but often has no obvious symptoms. You may not know you have it until a fall or bump fractures a bone, often in your hip, spine, or wrist.

So while your risk of breaking a bone may be low right now, it will get higher as you age. It's wise to take precautions.

How can I stay healthy?

Some risk factors for osteoporosis are things you can't change. For instance, if you are a post-menopausal woman or have a family history of osteoporosis, you have a greater risk.

But there are things you can do to prevent osteoporosis and reduce your risk of fractures. Changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference. You should:

• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Adults need 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily 1,200 milligrams if over 50. Good sources of calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, and calcium-fortified cereals. Adults need between 400 and 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily. Good sources of vitamin D include vitamin D-fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and saltwater fish. If you're not able to get enough calcium in your diet, take calcium and vitamin D supplements, which often come together in one pill.
• Get regular physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercise, like walking and climbing stairs. Weight lifting can also help build strong bones.
• Quit smoking (if you smoke now).
• Drink alcohol moderately no more than one drink a day for women. One drink is counted as: 1 ounce of liquor, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or one 12-ounce beer.

You also need regular checkups. Your doctor can test for osteoporosis by using a special X-ray to measure the density of your bones.

Right now, it seems like your risk of having problems is low. Taking care of yourself -- with a good diet, frequent exercise, and regular checkups -- can help keep it that way.

Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD, August 2006.

We encourage you to read WebMD's privacy policy.

SOURCES: Black DM, et al, Osteoporosis International, 2001; vol 12: pp 519-28. Holt EH and Inzucchi SE, ACP Medicine, August 2005. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases web site, "What is Osteoporosis?" National Osteoporosis Foundation web site, "Physician's Guide to the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis."

Legal Disclaimer: This tool is for general information purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It may not be right for you and should not be relied upon in making decisions about your health. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.

4-7 points: MEDIUM RISK

Results: Are You at Risk for a Fracture?

According to your answers, you are at moderate risk of fracturing a bone in the next five years. About 4 to 5 women out of 100 in your situation suffer a hip fracture. It's time to set up a meeting with your doctor.

Osteoporosis strikes many women -- and some men -- as they age. It makes your bones brittle but often has no obvious symptoms. You may not know you have it until a fall or bump fractures a bone, often in your hip, spine, or wrist.

Breaking a bone may not be just a temporary inconvenience. It can leave you permanently disabled. For instance, just 1/3 of people ever fully recover after breaking a hip.

Osteoporosis causes over half of all women -- and a quarter of all men -- to break a bone at some point after age 50. To stay well, you need to take precautions.

How can I stay healthy?

You can't change some risk factors for osteoporosis. For instance, if you are a post-menopausal woman or have a family history of osteoporosis, your risk is greater.

But there are things you can do to prevent osteoporosis or slow it down. You should:

• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Adults need 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily 1,200 milligrams if over 50. Good sources of calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, and calcium-fortified cereals. Adults need between 400 and 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily. Good sources of vitamin D include vitamin D-fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and saltwater fish. If you're not able to get enough calcium in your diet, take calcium and vitamin D supplements, which often come together in one pill.
• Engage in weight-bearing exercise, like walking and climbing stairs. Weight lifting can also help build strong bones.
• Quit smoking (if you smoke now).
• Drink alcohol moderately no more than one drink a day for women. One drink is counted as: 1 ounce of liquor, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or one 12-ounce beer.
• Get regular checkups, along with special X-rays to check your bone density.

You may also need medicines that help increase the density of the bones and lower the risk of fractures. Like any medicines, they have risks. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons.

Right now, you may be at an increased risk of fractures. But taking care of yourself -- with a good diet, frequent exercise, and regular checkups -- can help keep you healthy.

Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD, August 2006.

We encourage you to read WebMD's privacy policy.

SOURCES: Black DM, et al, Osteoporosis International, 2001; vol 12: pp 519-28. Holt EH and Inzucchi SE, ACP Medicine, August 2005. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases web site, "What is Osteoporosis?" National Osteoporosis Foundation web site, "Physician's Guide to the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis."

Legal Disclaimer: This tool is for general information purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It may not be right for you and should not be relied upon in making decisions about your health. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.

8-11 points: HIGH RISK

Results: Are You at Risk for a Fracture?

According to your answers, you are at high risk of fracturing a bone in the next five years. About 8 out of 100 women in your situation suffer a hip fracture. If you haven't already seen a doctor about your risk of fracture, make an appointment soon.

Treatment and lifestyle changes can lower your risk. Osteoporosis strikes many women -- and some men -- as they age. It makes your bones brittle but often has no obvious symptoms. You may not know you have it until a fall or bump fractures a bone, often in your hip, spine, or wrist.

Breaking a bone is not just a temporary inconvenience. It can leave you permanently disabled. For instance, just 1/3 of people ever fully recover after breaking a hip.

Osteoporosis causes over half of all women -- and a quarter of all men -- to break a bone at some point after age 50. Given your risk, you should take precautions.

What should I do?

You can't change some risk factors for osteoporosis. For instance, if you are a post-menopausal woman or have a family history of osteoporosis, your risk is greater.

But there are things you can do. You should:

• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Adults need 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily 1,200 milligrams if over 50. Good sources of calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, and calcium-fortified cereals. Adults need between 400 and 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily. Good sources of vitamin D include vitamin D-fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and saltwater fish. If you're not able to get enough calcium in your diet, take calcium and vitamin D supplements, which often come together in one pill.
• Engage in weight-bearing exercise, like walking and climbing stairs. Weight lifting can also help build strong bones.
• Quit smoking (if you smoke now).
• Drink alcohol moderately no more than one drink a day for women. One drink is counted as: 1 ounce of liquor, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or one 12-ounce beer.
• Get regular checkups, along with special X-rays to check your bone density.
• Take precautions against falls, such as installing hand railings in your home and getting your vision tested.

You may also need medicine to lower the risk of fractures. Like any drug, it can have risks. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons.

Right now, you may have a high risk of a fracture. But getting treatment -- along with a good diet and frequent exercise -- can make a big difference.

Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD, August 2006.

We encourage you to read WebMD's privacy policy.

SOURCES: Black DM, et al, Osteoporosis International, 2001; vol 12: pp 519-28. Holt EH and Inzucchi SE, ACP Medicine, August 2005. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases web site, "What is Osteoporosis?" National Osteoporosis Foundation web site, "Physician's Guide to the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis."

Legal Disclaimer: This tool is for general information purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It may not be right for you and should not be relied upon in making decisions about your health. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.