DREAM HOME

Physical exercise plays an important role in preventing osteoporosis as well as ongoing management of the condition.
Without about half of women and one third of men over the age of 60 living with osteoporosis, it’s a common health concern.
Exercise is one way you can make a difference.
“Bone requires the stress of muscles and tendons and gravity pulling on it to develop its shape and strength, and retain resistance to fracture throughout life according to Osteoporosis Australia spokeswoman.
“The exercise you do from a young age, the higher the peak bone mass you will leave, which is reached by about age 20-25.
After that, continued exposure to appropriate physical activities maintain bone mass and strength and slow down the rate of loss that begins in midlife.”
But not all physical activity has the same beneficial effect.
“Moderate-to-high-intensity walking or other weight-bearing aerobic exercise, stair climbing, weight lifting/strength training, jumping or sports involving are all good for bone.
As a general rule the more intense an activity-in regard to impact or force-the more effective it is.
“The volume does not need to be high.
“For example 10 to 50 jumps a week may only take 1-2 minutes total, but can significantly improve bone density, particularly before menopause.”
Once you have osteoporosis it’s crucial to prevent falling which can easily result in fracture.
“Even if you can’t make the bone denser or stronger you need to improve muscle strength, balance and co-ordination to prevent falls,” Dr Fiatarone Singh, Osteporosis Australia spokewoman says.

Visit osteoporosis.org.au for more information.