en who smoked didn't gain the usual protection against bone loss from estrogen replacement therapy. In addition, smokers tend to enter menopause earlier than nonsmokers. Build maximum peak bone mass. The higher you peak bone mass, the less likely you'll be to have fractures later in life.(encarta 95) Although there is no cure for this disease, there are four medications approved by the FDA for postmenopausal women to either prevent and/or treat osteoporosis: estrogens are approved for both the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis Alendronate, a bisphosphonate, is approved for prevention and treatment Calcitonin is approved and Raloxifene. A selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), is also approved. Treatments under investigation include sodium fluoride, vitamin D metabolites, parathyroid hormone, and other bisphosphonates and SERM's. Posture balance and the prevention of falls are also important components of any treatment plan for osteoporosis. (National Osteoporosis Foundation). It's never too late to protect your bones. It's true taht eh things we do now will catch up to us later in life. While drinking milk can help, exercising and eating a well balanced meal is also very important. Be good to your body while you still have you health....
