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Bone density scan
Bone density scan
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
Hip fracture
Hip fracture
Vitamin D source
Vitamin D source
Calcium benefit
Calcium benefit
Calcium source
Calcium source
Bone-building exercise
Bone-building exercise
Changes in spine with age
Changes in spine with age


Osteoporosis

Alternative Names:
Thin bones

Prevention:

Calcium is essential for building and maintaining healthy bone. Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium, is also essential. To get these and other important nutrients throughout life, make sure to keep an overall healthy, well-balanced diet.

To help prevent osteoporosis, don't smoke, and avoid drinking excess alcohol.

Regular exercise can prevent bone fractures. Exercises where muscles pull on bones cause the bones to retain, and possibly gain, density.

A number of new medications for the prevention of osteoporosis, including raloxifene and alendronate, are currently available and FDA approved.

If you are a candidate for hormone replacement therapy, discuss the risks and benefits thoroughly with your health care provider.




Review Date: 3/13/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, M.D., Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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