I am 19, and my knees already ache sometimes, my family has a history of arthritis and so I would like to know what I can do to prevent myself from getting arthritis too. I know I should have lots of a calcium but is there anything else I can do?

My father has osteoarthritis in his hip. It is so bad he has to use crutches to get around otherwise he falls. He was taking glucosamine and calcium’s. His osteoarthritis was cause by his ashma medication (steroids) that he takes. Is there any alternatives out there for him to help with the pain and discomfort? He really does not want an operation cause of his other medical problems. Please help?