Most people who live in America are chronically deficient in Vitamin D. Without Vitamin D, the body cannot properly utilize calcium and bones will not be strong. Yao is a rather large man so 4,000 international units of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) should keep his bones from cracking.
Yao needs some sun. Remember how well Shane played when he got that tan? Well, Yao gets some Vitamin D via sunlight, and he'll be good to go for an entire season. The answer for the Rockets: sunlight.
You know what Yao needs? THE SUMMER OFF! He just came off foot surgery and goes play in the Olympics. Every summer, run, run, run. I am for trading him. But if we keep him, I would say: "YAO, you luv your country? Good for you. But we pay the bills. And we say, TAKE THE FREAKIN SUMMERS OFF TO REST!". Maybe that will help him stay healthier.
Milk won't help. Yao's body frame is murder on the top of his feet. Unlike a lot of centers, Yao usually actively goes for scoring, along with getting rebounds and running up and down the court. Which means he is constantly putting strain on the top of his feet throughout the year. At this point, we just have to hope that he doesn't have to play with the Chinese National team this summer and that Dorsey will be prepped enough to eat at Yao's minutes next season so that he will be somewhat in better form when we go to the playoffs.
Doesn't his salary go to the Chinese government and they pay him? That might prevent him from taking time off.
I've been harping on this off and on for several seasons. I think the Rockets really need an up-to-date nutritionist/biochemist on staff. They need the nutritional equivalent of Daryl Morey.