Today is World Osteoporosis Day (WOD).

WOD, marked on Oct. 20 each year, raises awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis — a type of bone loss that causes bones to break easily.

Osteoporosis is the most common cause of spine fractures. Preventing and treating osteoporosis is the best way to lower your risk.

Talk to your healthcare provider about a bone density test to see if you’re at risk for osteoporosis, then find out what you can do about it. To reduce your risk:

• Don’t smoke.
• Limit alcohol use.
• Do weight-bearing exercises to strengthen your bones.
• Reduce your risk of falling. 

View the infographic below from the International Osteoporosis Foundation (or download this .pdf) to learn how to spot the warning signs of a spine fracture.

Visit our Health Library to evaluate your risk for osteoporosis.