I take 1000 units of Vitamind D-3 daily. I also take 1500 units of calcium citrate and 3 mg. of boron as suggested by my doctor. There is no way I get enough sun exposure to make my own vitamin D. Jannie, have you considered the Boniva injection? That's what I will do if the Evista doesn't work for me. I have chronic kidney disease but I am not yet on dialysis. Stretching and balance are good for preventing falls, but they won't build up your bone. That takes weight bearing exercise.

Littlebit, did you have a heel or finger scan? My endo says those are essentially worthless, my ob/gyn had put in the finger type equipment for measuring bone density and she was just 'shakin her head, mystified as to why. I wouldn't put much into results you were given if you had other than a Dexa scan. Then a second 12-18 months later so they can compare and see if you are one who just has less dense bones (as you may if Caucasian, small framed, female) or if you are actually losing. Don't panic yet ;) My own doctor not only wanted to begin with the 2 to compare, she wanted them done by the same tech and the same equipment for most accurate comparisons, she doesn't medicate casually.

As of yet I have no signs of bone density loss. I am 60. I have never ever been a milk drinker since I was into my 3rd year. I am a not a great dairy eater except for cheese and cream which I eat in moderation. I do not take any vitamins or supplements. I did take natal and prenatal vitamins as prescribed by my doctor during my childbearing years. I think simple genetics plays a role. I also believe that women who over diet into staying thin can add to the later thinning of their bones. I credit my healthy (thus far) bones to genetics,exercise and a bit of extra padding in my middle years and presently. With all the controversy over supplements and medications I choose to take nothing unless it is something that would actually be life-saving 0r proven to treat a certain condition. I take my thyroid meds religiously for example. if I had high blood pressure I would take my meds for that. High cholesterol? I o would really have to think about it. Too many pros and cons so that would have to be a carefully informed decision. I think we need to concentrate on healthy balanced diets, a weight based on health and not vanity, and exercise and balance throughout out lives. I lost balance due to hearing loss so I concentrate on that area. It's not as good as it was but I must say it is much better than a lot of my younger friends. Except in extreme cases most breaks in elderly are due to falls. Working on balance can prevent those falls or at least lessen the chance of them. I am sure that in some people there is drug therapy to delay the advancement of Osteo. But like Glenda said exercise,weight training etc. play a role too. I believe a greater one. And for every prescribed drug that has controversial side effects or no effects there are so called perfectly "natural" OTC supplements that have the same downsides and can even be more harmful. So if one is taking advice of thier local "nutritionist" at the health food store or Vitamin Store they should do some heavy research on the real science behind these drugs.

roxsol -- Thanks so much for the LINK! Always a joy to read Seniorgal's posts. maggie -- Glad you agree with my sentiment. We're lucky to have Seniorgal's personal reflections on a whole century -- in such readable prose. My late mother entertained me with bedtime stories about a life similar to Seniorgal's memories. Mom was born in 1905 in a boarding house in NYC, near where the UN now stands, the daughter of a Scots-Irish mother, but spent her youth on a small farm in remote RI -- to escape the disease-ridden city.