Men and women looking to avoid suffering the painful and often debilitating disease osteoporosis should be exercising more, according to leading scientists.
Researchers at top medical universities around the nation are urging people to look after their bones by living well and getting fit. They say by doing so you can reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis, a disease where the inner honeycomb structure inside each bone becomes thinner and more fragile. Osteoporosis can affect any part of a person’s body but the wrist, hip and spine are the most common areas.
Experts say the best way to strengthen your bones is by doing regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. What’s more, researchers say it’s never too late to build a stronger skeleton. While it is true that during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood, when the skeleton is growing, you are better able to “bank” bone mass, experts maintain there are ways to prevent bone loss that occurs later in life.
The best way to help your skeleton grow stronger is by participating in regular weight-bearing exercises such as jogging, aerobics, tennis, dancing and brisk walking. If you are older and can’t tolerate doing high-impact exercise, then opt for low-impact options including swimming, gardening, walking or golfing.
In addition, elderly people should also be mindful of their surroundings. It is important to reduce compromising the health of your bones by falling or tripping. To avoid injuries look for hazards around your home that may lead to falls. For example, make sure you have a handrail near your staircase–and use it. Also, consider getting rid of loose rugs or carpets, trailing wires, slippery floor surfaces and anything else that might cause you to trip or fall.
Finally, consider adding weight training to your exercise routine. Working with light weights on a regular basis can help strengthen bones and increase stability in your body’s core. This helps with balance and coordination, and reduces the risk of injuries.
Related Articles:
Getting Fit in Your Own Backyard
Creating an Affordable Fitness Plan