Bisphosphonates increase bone density and decrease the risk of fracture at both the hip and spine. Calcitonin is a drug delivered by nasal spray or injection. A few studies show that in women who are at least five years postmenopausal, it can slow bone loss, increase spinal bone density and may relieve the pain of bone fractures. It is never too late to start. Exercise Like muscle, bone is living tissue and responds to exercise by becoming stronger.
Inactivity makes bones lose strength and become more fragile, increasing the risk of fracture.
Thirty to 60 minutes of weight-bearing exercise three times a week can help maintain bone and prevent loss. Weight-bearing exercise means forcing our bones and muscles to work against gravity. Examples include walking, jogging, playing tennis, climbing steps, dancing, taking aerobics classes, gardening and lifting weights. Swimming and bicycling are not weight-bearing but are nevertheless helpful because of their positive effects on fitness. Recent studies indicate that women who walk as little as one mile a day show significantly less bone loss than non-walkers, especially in their legs and torso.