Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become porous and tend to break more easily. This condition is more common in women than men, and your risk increases with age. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent osteoporosis from developing and there are also ways of treating it once diagnosed.Preventing osteoporosisTry to get at least 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise each day. Weight-bearing exercise is exercise that requires you to work against gravity and put weight on your feet. Walking and jogging are the simplest examples. This type of exercise stimulates the cells that make new bone and causes them to build stronger bones. You may also help prevent osteoporosis by following a diet that is high in calcium and Vitamin D. If you do not consume enough calcium, your body must take it out of your bones, causing them to weaken. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, soy products, and calcium supplements. Women over 30 should consider a calcium supplement, even if they feel their diet is adequate.Increase the amount of weight-bearing exercise that you get each day by parking farther from work and taking the stairs instead of an elevator. Treating osteoporosisIf you have already received a diagnosis of osteoporosis, you should continue to engage in exercise and eat a calcium-rich diet to prevent the disease from progressing further. There are several other treatments your doctor may recommend. Women entering menopause can slow osteoporosis by taking estrogen supplements. Drugs like Boniva and Fosamax are prescribed to slow down the rate at which bones are broken down. Consult your physician to find the best course of treatment for you.Osteoporosis is a serious ailment that can lead to broken bones and curvature of the spine in the elderly. Fortunately, this disease is preventable with simple lifestyle changes and there are a number of drugs available to manage the disease once you are diagnosed.