Passive smokers risk osteoporosis

Inhaling second-hand smoke increases your risk of contracting osteoporosis. A recent study showed that pre-menopausal women tripled their chances of getting the bone disease if they were regularly exposed to passive smoking. Men – whose osteoporosis rate is four times less – also increased their risk.

Take action:

Never opt to sit in the smoking area of a restaurant – and, if you have a choice, choose a restaurant that is completely smoke-free; don't allow family members or guests to smoke in your house, office or car; avoid public places where people are smoking; if you live with smokers, designate a spot outside where they can smoke (and make sure it's far away from open doors and windows); teach children to stay away from secondhand smoke; if you or a family member smokes, talk to your doctor about quitting.

Read more: How passive smoking hurts

Visit our Osteoporosis Condition Centre or consult our Healthy Bones Expert.