Dr. Zehr's educational seminar "Joint Arthritis - What's New, What Works" is available for viewing online, either in its entirety or in segments.

We all tend to make resolutions at the start of every year. There's just something appealing about having a "clean slate" in front of us, an opportunity to eliminate some bad habits and establish some good ones in their place, which inspires us to make promises. While there are several factors affecting our bone health over which we have no control - such as gender, size, and age, race and family history - there are a few simple steps we can each take to prevent or slow the inevitable bone loss that we experience as we grow older.

• Include plenty of calcium in your diet. A diet low in calcium contributes to diminished bone density, early bone loss and an increased risk of fractures. For adults ages 19 to 50 and men ages 51 to 70, the recommended dietary allowance(RDA) is 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium a day. The recommendation increases to 1,200 mg a day for women after age 50 and for men after age 70. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, almonds, broccoli,kale, canned salmon with bones, sardines and soy products, such as tofu. If you find it difficult to get enough calcium from your diet, ask us about supplements.
• Pay attention to vitamin D. Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. For adults ages 19 to 70, the RDA of vitamin D is 600 international units(IUs) a day. The recommendation increases to 800 IUs a day for adults age 71 and older. Good sources of vitamin D include oily fish, such as tuna and sardines, egg yolks and fortified milk. Sunlight also contributes to the body's production of vitamin D. If you're worried about getting enough vitamin D, ask us about supplements.
• Include physical activity in your daily routine. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, tennis and climbing stairs, can help you build strong bones and slow bone loss.
• Avoid substance abuse. Research suggests that tobacco use contributes to weak bones. Similarly, regularly having more than two alcoholic drinks a day increases the risk of osteoporosis, possibly because alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium.