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Dairy products, including yogurt and cheese, are excellent sources of calcium. An eight-ounce glass of milk contains about 300 mg of calcium. Other calcium-rich foods include sardines with bones and green leafy vegetables, including broccoli and collard greens.

If your diet doesn't contain enough calcium, dietary supplements can help. Talk to your doctor before taking a calcium supplement.

Vitamin D.
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendation for vitamin D is 400 iu daily. Dairy products are an excellent source of vitamin D. (A cup of milk contains 100 iu.) Vitamin supplements can be taken if your diet doesn't contain enough of this nutrient. Again, consult with your doctor before taking a vitamin supplement. Vitamin D in excess can be toxic.

Exercise regularly.
Like muscles, bones need exercise to stay strong. No matter what your age, exercise can help you minimize bone loss while providing many additional health benefits as well. Doctors believe that a program of moderate, regular exercise (three to four times a week) is effective for the prevention and management of osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, hiking, climbing stairs, dancing, treadmill exercises, and weight training, are probably best. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

How is osteoporosis treated?
Because lost bone cannot be replaced, treatment for osteoporosis focuses on the prevention of further bone loss. Treatment is often a team effort involving a family physician or internist, orthopaedist, gynecologist, and endocrinologist.

While exercise and nutrition therapy are often key components of a treatment plan for osteoporosis, there are other treatments as well.

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is often recommended for women at high risk for osteoporosis to prevent bone loss and reduce fracture risk. A measurement of bone density when menopause begins may help you decide whether ERT is for you. ERT is not without some risk, however, and should be discussed with your doctor. Calcitonin is another medication used to decrease bone loss. Other osteoporosis treatments include bisphosphonates, a group of medications that have been found to have a favorable effect on bone.

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