Take care of your bones so you can take care of business.

Half of women who are 50 years of age and older will experience a bone fracture related to osteoporosis. As a result, the quality of life for many of these women will likely diminish.

"The onset of osteoporosis can affect women for the rest of their lives," says Sandra Eisenberg, R.N., Health Education at Kaiser Permanente in Woodland Hills. "This is a very serious condition that can usually be prevented with proper diet, exercise and screenings. Women in their 30s and 40s should begin taking action to reduce the possibility of osteoporosis."

Bone mass peaks at age 30, and the most rapid loss occurs after menopause. "Most people don't realize that bone is a living tissue. Every month, bone is broken down and new bone is built," explains Eisenberg. "There are several preventive measures that women can take to slow down the process of bone loss."

Following are a few tips for working women.

* A calcium rich diet is key. Women ages 25-49 need 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily and those who are between the ages of 50 and 64 need even more--1,200-1,500 milligrams daily. Yogurt, milk, oatmeal, salmon and broccoli are all rich in calcium. Some great snacks to take to work are edemame (soybeans), figs, almonds and Luna bars.

* Weight-bearing exercise is critical. Women should consider throwing on a pair of athletic shoes at lunch and taking a brisk walk. In addition to the exercise, the vitamin D from the sunlight helps your body absorb calcium.

* Things to avoid are smoking, excessive alcohol and caffeine intake and diets high in protein.

"Most people hit an 'afternoon slump' around 2-3pm," says Eisenberg. "Rather than drinking a caffeinated soda and having a candy bar, people would be much more energized if they took a quick walk and got some fresh air. This type of break would greatly benefit their bone health at the same time."

Kaiser Permanente has several preventive measures in place to address osteoporosis, including ongoing health education classes and routine bone scans for women 60 and older. "Kaiser Permanente is very proactive in reaching out to women who may be at risk for developing osteoporosis. We are above the community standard which recommends that women begin receiving bone scans at 65 years old," said Eisenberg.

Good overall health requires a focus on wellness, including a healthy diet and appropriate exercise. Good health also requires partnership with physicians, health educators and other health care professionals who work together to prevent disease whenever possible while providing appropriate, personalized health care.

This article was provided by Kaiser Permanente in Woodland Hills.