 |
|
| Get Active and Prevent Osteoporosis |
From |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
| May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month — time to get savvy about maintaining strong bones. Exercise is key to reducing your risk for osteoporosis, so check out these easy ways to get active and do your body (and your bones!) some good.
|
 |
First, the Basics
Often called "the silent disease" because it has no detectable early symptoms, osteoporosis causes thinning in the bones, resulting in an increased risk of fractures and breaks. About 10 million people in the United States currently have osteoporosis. Of those, 80 percent are women.
Some osteoporosis risk factors you can't control, from age to gender and even family history. But you can make lifestyle adjustments to curb your risks, such as quitting smoking, starting an exercise regimen and increasing your calcium intake.
Diet Dos: A diet rich in calcium is one of the strongest prevention methods, and one that can start as early as childhood. In fact, most bone mass is developed when you're a child, making calcium a crucial component of a healthy diet from the get-go. Some of the best calcium sources include low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt.
Exercise Impact: Weight-bearing exercises also have been shown to build bones. These include walking, running, dancing, weight lifting, stair climbing, tennis and low-impact aerobics. Choose an activity that suits your lifestyle, and partake in it for approximately 30 minutes a day, three to four times a week, to get all the bone-building benefits. As always, consult your doctor before beginning any new fitness program.
Spring Into Prevention
The start of a new season marks the perfect time to begin an osteoporosis-preventing exercise routine. Thanks to the warmer weather, you can build bone while enjoying the outdoors! Try these activities to get moving and help prevent osteoporosis:
• Jog/run before or after work.
• Go for a lunchtime stroll, carrying some light hand weights to help build muscle mass.
• Take on a game of tennis.
• Climb the bleachers at a sporting event.
• Try an aerobics class.
|
|
| Are you looking for more expert tips and advice for everyday life? Visit our Article Library. |
|
 Print This Page |
Was This Page Helpful? Yes |
No
Thank you for sharing your opinion.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
Are you looking for tips about your beauty regimen, home care, personal health — or something completely different? |
| |
 |
|
Why not Ask Julia? Check back next month to see if she selected your question. |
|
|
|
|
|
