Osteoporosis, or thinning bones, is a serious condition that can result in tremendous pain with fractures. It is often called the silent disease. Women who are fit, active and otherwise healthy can be walking around with this and never know it. Even if you’re committed to exercise and have a passion for dairy foods, it may not be enough to avoid brittle bones.

During an interview on NBC Connecticut, UConn Health Center endocrinologist Pam Taxel says race, heredity, lifestyle factors and certain medical conditions can all play a role in the onset of osteopenia and later, full-blown osteoporosis.

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