Health Tip: Stop Smoking, Save Your Bones

Cigarettes can harm skeletal health

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(HealthDay News) -- Smoking can affect many parts of your body, even your bones and joints.

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The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these musculoskeletal problems that can be triggered by smoking:

• Increased risk of osteoporosis.
• Decreased bone density.
• Reduced ability to absorb calcium.
• Reduced protection provided by estrogen replacement therapy.
• Increased risk of hip fracture as a person ages.
• Increased risk of developing an exercise-related injury.

-- Diana Kohnle