Even with careful eating, however, many people still need calcium supplements. Ask your doctor which supplement is best for you. Sunshine helps the body produce vitamin D, which is important for building bones. About 15 minutes of sunshine a day is all that is needed to maintain a good vitamin D supply. A multivitamin tablet also can help.
Exercise is very important for strengthening bones.
Walking, dancing, and climbing stairs are especially good, but be careful to avoid exercise that could lead to falling. Finally, drug treatment can help . Postmenopausal women often benefit from hormone replacement therapy. Some new drugs are also available for women who prefer not to use hormones. One of these drugs, alendronate, is what's known as a bisphosphonate.