The FDA has approved Fosamax Plus D, a once-weekly pill that contains both the osteoporosisosteoporosis drug Fosamax and the bone-building nutrient vitamin D.

The pill has 70 milligrams of Fosamax and a 2,800 IU dose of Vitamin D. That's seven day's worth of the recommended daily dose of Vitamin D for people aged 51 to 70.

Fosamax is taken both to treat osteoporosis as well as to prevent the disease. People with osteoporosis are more likely to fracture a bone, especially the hip, spine, and wrist. Hip and spine fractures can be very debilitating. Fosamax helps reduce the risk of hip and spine fractures.

Don't Just Rely on a Pill

But people shouldn't rely on medications alone to help build stronger bones. Even when taking this medication people need to get enough of the bone-building nutrients calcium and vitamin D. Calcium helps build stronger bones while vitamin D helps increase absorption of calcium from the intestines into the bloodstream. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, regular exercise helps prevent osteoporosis.

While there are other drugs available of the same type, such as Actonel, Fosamax is now the only one that also contains vitamin D. Fosamax Plus D and similar osteoporosis drugs should be used with caution in people with certain stomach or digestive problems.

Men Aren't Left Out

Osteoporosis is much more common in women than in men. They are four times more likely then men to develop the condition.

While bone loss can start even in a woman in her 30s, it speeds up significantly after menopause. It often progresses without any symptoms or pain. Many times, osteoporosis is not discovered until weakened bones cause painful fractures.

Osteoporosis affects an estimated 10 million Americans -- 8 million women and 2 million men -- according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. An additional 34 million have low bone mass, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

A bone density test can check for osteoporosis and help determine the risk of having a bone fracture. Use this tool to help determine your risk of osteoporosis.

Your risk of osteoporosis. Building Stronger Bones

There are a variety of ways to help protect yourself against osteoporosis:

* Exercise. Weight-bearing exercises, done at least three to four times a week, are best for preventing osteoporosis. Walking, jogging, playing tennis, and dancing are all good weight-bearing exercises. * Eat foods high in calcium. People at higher risk of osteoporosis, such as those over 50, should get up to 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day. Excellent dietary sources of calcium are milk and dairy products (low-fat versions are recommended); canned fish with bones like salmon and sardines; dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale, collards and broccoli; calcium-fortified orange juice; and breads made with calcium-fortified flour. * Supplements. If you aren't able to get enough calcium in your diet, you can take calcium supplements, such as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate, to make up the difference. Calcium carbonate is absorbed best when taken with food, while calcium citrate is taken any time. The amount of elemental calcium varies with these products. Elemental calcium is the amount of calcium that is needed from the supplement. * Vitamin D. Being out in the sun for a total of 20 minutes every day helps the bodies of most people make enough vitamin D. You can also get vitamin D from eggs, fatty fish like salmon, cereal and milk fortified with vitamin D, and from supplements. People aged 51 to 70 should get 400 IU each day, and those over age 70 should get 600 IU. * Other preventive steps. Limit alcohol consumption and do not smoke. Smoking and too much alcohol can weaken your bones.