If you have osteoporosis, learn how changes to your home and the right kind of exercise can help prevent fractures.

If you have osteoporosis, preventing fractures is a top priority. Even if your doctor suggests medication, you can avoid accidents and keep your bones strong through your efforts. Adjusting your lifestyle can make a huge difference. Many people worry that exercise increases the risk of falling, but in reality, it reduces the chance of falls. It keeps your reflexes sharp and muscles strong, improving coordination and reducing the likelihood of falling. Exercise also directly strengthens bones. Bone is living tissue and weakens without exercise. Staying fit makes bones stronger and less likely to break during a fall. Experts generally recommend a combination of weight-bearing exercise, resistance training, and flexibility and balance exercises. Consult your doctor before starting exercise; high-impact activities may not be safe for some osteoporosis patients. Choose shoes with safety in mind; low-heeled shoes with good support and rubber soles are better. It's also advisable to wear shoes indoors to avoid slipping. Be cautious outdoors, walk on grass in rainy or snowy conditions to prevent slips. If you have mobility issues due to other conditions, use assistive devices recommended by your doctor or physical therapist. Some medications may increase fall risk, such as those causing dizziness or poor coordination. Do not stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor; they may adjust your dosage or switch medications. Ensure your home is well-lit to reduce fall risks. Long-term health issues may affect strength and increase fall risk, such as arthritis or vision problems. Regular check-ups can help identify and treat these risks. Even though some fractures are hard to avoid, work on controllable fracture risks. Fracture risk increases with age but is not inevitable. Taking precautions can keep you injury-free.