What are the treatments for osteopenia and osteoporosis?
If you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, you may benefit from: • Dietary supplements — Calcium and vitamin D supplements are often recommended for people with osteopenia and osteoporosis. • Medications — Bisphosphonates (Fosamax and Actonel) and raloxifene (Evista) are prescription drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Calcitonin (Miacalcin and Calcimar) and hormone replacement therapy for post-menopausal women may also be prescribed to slow bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures. • Assistive devices — Canes, crutches, or a walker may lessen the pain of osteoporosis and reduce the risk of falls. How can I prevent bone disorders from occurring? Some things you can do to lower your risk of bone problems: • Consume adequate calcium and vitamin D in your diet — High-calcium foods include low-fat milk, yogurt, and leafy green vegetables. Calcium supplements with vitamin D are another source of calcium. Adults should consume 1,000 to 1,500 mg of calcium each day. • Get weight-
