Keep active to keep bone density strong

Exercise. We all know we need it. But your bones will be particularly thankful to you if you get up and go. Check out these special perks that exercise offers your skeleton:

• Exercise aids in bone development. The action of resistance exercises actually stimulate the formation of bone tissue. You don’t need fancy equipment — dumbbells, exercise tubing, your own body weight, bricks, bottles of water — they can all be used in resistance training. Check out this guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Better skeletal support. Stronger muscles and increased endurance give your skeleton the support it needs. This is especially important as you age.
• Resistance to fractures increases with exercise. This is a huge benefit for older adults. Falls and other accidents aren’t as dangerous when your bones are dense and healthy.
• Fend off osteoporosis with weight-bearing exercise. Post-menopausal women tend to lose about 1% of their bone density each year. Research shows that weight-bearing exercise can help prevent — and even sometimes reverse — bone loss in both the spine and hip bones. Anyone ages 50+ can benefit from weight-bearing exercise. Ask your physician about it!
• Women who walk at least 4 hours per week can actually decrease their risk of osteoporosis by 40% compared to sedentary women. Walking is a great no-impact type of exercise that yields many different types of health benefits. It’s a great way to remain healthy and active as you get older.
• Bones benefit from the pressure exercise puts upon them. Pressure aids in the calcification process. Combined with a healthy diet, it’s a great combination.
• Body-building exercise like walking is super efficient at building bone mass.

So get out there and get active! Even a simple walk for a few minutes a day will help. Your spine and skeleton will be stronger, and your entire body will thank you.