Osteoporosis and osteopenia are often called "silent diseases" because they typically do not cause symptoms until a fracture occurs. However, subtle physical changes, medical history factors, and lifestyle habits can sometimes signal an increased risk for weakened bones.

It’s important to pay attention to these factors, because proactively addressing bone health can preserve your function and independence as you age, said Heidi Prather, D.O., sports medicine and hip preservation physiatrist and founder and medical director of the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program. In a recent article for Prevention, Dr. Prather discussed warning signs that may indicate bone loss and shared strategies for preserving bone strength.

Read the full article at prevention.com.