Tuesday, 6 December 2011

Exercises for bone health


As you age, your body goes through many changes. Some of the major changes that occur in your body as you get older are:
  • Bone mass and density decrease.
  • Muscle size and strength decrease.
  • Tendons and Ligaments become less elastic.
  • Cartilage degeneration and joint inflammation occur.
The above bodily changes put you at an increased risk of fractures, various injuries, osteoporosis and arthritis. Exercising everyday can help prevent the above complications and provide a lot of relief in some chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Regular exercise can also help prevent bone loss and allows you to maintain muscle strength, coordination, and balance, which in turn help to prevent falls and related fractures.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a major health problem and is responsible for the majority of bone fractures in women. It is a condition in which the bones weaken and lose density, becoming thin, brittle, and prone to fractures.




Exercising for osteoporosis

Exercise can help you slow down the progress of osteoporosis and build strong bones. An exercise regimen that consists of moderate, regular exercise, thrice or four times a week can be beneficial in the prevention and management of osteoporosis.
Some helpful exercises for osteoporosis
  • Walking
  • Climbing stairs
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Treadmill exercises
  • Strength training exercises using light weights
Osteoarthritis is a condition when the cartilages in your jointswear downs over time. Your knees, hip and spine joints which take mostof the weight during day to day activities are the bones that aremost likely to be affected by osteoarthritis

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, exercise is vital because regular exercise will:

  • Keep your joints flexible.
  • Keep your muscles around the joints strong.
  • Keep your bone and Cartilage tissue strong and healthy.
  • Reduce pain and give you relief.




Some helpful exercises for osteoarthritis
  • Walking
  • Cycling
  • Stretching exercises
  • Swimming
Exercises for low back pain
If you experience low back pain, certain exercises can increase your muscle strength and improve the flexibility and function of your spine, back muscles and Ligaments.
  • Carry out daily stretching exercises.
  • Once the initial pain subsides try to engage in a more active exercise plan that includes walking, swimming, bicycling and strength training with light weights.

Total joint replacement
Total Joint Replacement is a surgical procedure that is usually performed to relieve the pain and disability caused by severe arthritis. If you have undergone a total Joint Replacement surgery, exercise not only helps you recover faster, but also helps you in the years following recovery.

Some helpful exercises after joint replacement
  • Swimming
  • Bicycling
  • Walking
  • Golf
  • Treadmill exercises



Talk to your doctor
Before you begin an exercise program, consult your doctor. Perform only the exercises advised by your doctor. Do not follow an exercise regimen of your own, because your doctor may recommend certain restrictions based on your individual health status.

From:indianwomenhealth

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