I like this article about osteoporosis

The author hits on the basics and what you can do now to prevent this disease.

Some positive osteoporosive prevention steps include:

Exercise - Most definitely get exercise. Your muscles pull and leverage against your skeletal system. If you get decent exercise on a regular basis, it can have the effect of strengthening your bones.

Soft drinks - quit drinking them - the phosphoric acid leaches calcium out of your body. Caffeine does this too. There is a pay back for the boost that comes from ‘energy’ enhancing drinks. Keep this in mind. (Robbing Peter to pay Paul type of thing)

There are drugs available for those who currently have osteoporosis: cyclic etidronate, alendronate, and risedronate. See your doctor for help there.

More complete information on osteoporosis (and a bit technical ) can be found here:
http://consensus.nih.gov/2000/2000Osteoporosis111html.htm

Here is a neat site osteoporosis prevention in girls:
http://www.cdc.gov/powerfulbones/

- Dave

Technorati Tags: osteoporosis, prevention

Hippocrates once said, “That which is used
develops, and that which is not used wastes
away.” I like to believe that he is talking
about strength training and its affect on
osteoporosis. Strength training can be
defined as any activity that places a
heavier load on the muscles than it is
typically used to. Osteoporosis is defined
as a decrease in bone mass and density
causing bones to become fragile.

Strength training has been shown to
increase bone density. It has been shown to
increase overall strength, balance and
coordination as well. Exercise is one of
the best natural defenses against this
disease.

Unfortunately, as we grow older we tend to
use our muscles less and less. This
inactivity is costing us. Falls and broken
bones are of major concern to many of us.
Strength training can help reduce the
number of serious accidents by providing a
base of strength and balance.

If you already have osteoporosis a weight
training program can still help build bone
density. Work with lighter weights and
avoid any motion that involves twisting or
bending forward. Also avoid high impact
exercises such as jumping or running.

If your main goal is to prevent osteoporosis
then work with heavier weights and increase
the intensity as you go on. This will build
your bone mass up incrementally.

In either scenario it is best to talk with your doctor or
specialist before starting any strength training or
exercise program. Your doctor will be able to tell you
about any precautions you should take. Hippocrates was
right. If we don’t use it, we will lose it.

About the Author:

Lynn VanDyke is the proud owner of
http://www.strength-training-woman.com . She is a
certified personal trainer, yoga instructor and
nutritionist. Her site is quickly becoming a breathe of
fresh air.