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Osteoporosis treatment: Medications can help

Can medication alone successfully treat osteoporosis?

Don't rely entirely on medication as the only treatment for your osteoporosis. These practices also are important:

  • Exercise. Weight-bearing physical activity and exercises that improve balance and posture can strengthen bones and reduce the chance of a fracture. The more active and fit you are as you age, the less likely you are to fall and break a bone.
  • Good nutrition. Eat a healthy diet and make certain that you're getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking cigarettes speeds up bone loss.
  • Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy women, that means up to one drink a day. For healthy men, it would be up to two drinks a day.