What is Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis—or “porous bone”--is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall, or, in serious cases, from something as simple as sneezing or minor bumps.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (www.nof.org), osteoporosis currently affects approximately 54 million Americans, placing them at increased risk for bone fracture. Studies suggest that one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will suffer consequences due to osteoporosis.

Exercise can play an important role in the prevention and treatment of this “silent disease”. How? It’s simple. Strength training increases muscle mass, and there is a strong relationship between the amounts of muscle and bone in our bodies. When a muscle bears weight, such as in resistance weight training, it pulls on the bone that it attaches to. This pull triggers a chemical reaction within the bone that actually causes the bone to become denser—creating a healthier skeletal system.

If osteoporosis (or osteopenia--a condition of being at high risk for osteoporosis) is an issue, it is of utmost importance that the patient participate in the RIGHT form of exercise. This means that there are certain exercises that are contraindicated and others that are recommended specific to this condition. This must be addressed so as to prevent injury. Enter….our program “Strong Body and Bones”.