Osteoporosis: protective measures of nutrition and exercise.

Postural correction and strengthening exercises should be prescribed--and we must be as particular about these prescriptions as we are about those for drugs. An ideal exercise program for an older osteoporotic patient can be easy to understand, simple to carry out, and safe. Add a calcium supplement if the dietary intake is inadequate. However, calcium alone can only prevent further bone reduction. It must be combined with exercise--ideally before menopause--to prevent bone loss and build up a "reserve" of bone mass.