You keep hearing about osteoporosis, it’s a word that’s thrown around on plenty of advertisements, but what exactly is it?

What is Osteoporisis?

The word osteoporosis means porous bone. It’s a condition that develops when bone is no longer replaced as quickly as it is removed. It causes bones to be easily fractured, and to heal slowly. Osteoporosis is likely in women following menopause and often leading to curvature of the spine from vertebral collapse.

Bones and life stages

Our bones are made of a hard connective tissue that forms most of our skeleton. Bones support our body structures, protect our internal organs, and (in conjunction with muscles) facilitate our movements. They are also involved with cell formation, calcium metabolism, and mineral storage.

Bones aren’t just the framework that hold us together, bone is a living tissue. It’s constantly being renewed through a process in which old bone is removed and replaced by new bone.

When we were children and teenagers we built the bones that are now with us. After our mid-30’s, the cells that build bone are not as efficient, and we begin to gradually lose bone. When menopause kicks in, our estrogen levels fall dramatically, and we loses bone more quickly, so we are at risk of significant bone loss. The result can be disastrous.

Bones and physical activity

For healthy bones we need to build bone mass when we are young, and maintain it as we age. At menopause, it’s not too late to renew your bones. It just takes a litt;e ;onger than it once did. Physical activity, combined with adequate calcium and Vitamin D, helps us to do so.

What is load-bearing?

Physical activity places an increased “load” or force on our bones. This makes our bones respond by increasing in mass so the load can be spread over a larger amount of bone.

What is weight- bearing exercise?

A weight-bearing exercise is one in which your bones and muscles are working against the force of gravity. So it’s any exercise that makes our feet and legs carry our weight, from old-fashioned walking to step aerobics and ballroom dancing.

What is resistance exercise?

Resistance exercise is moving objects to create resistance, a form of exercise which works to strengthens a particular muscle group, which in turn strengthens bone in that area. So it’s exercise like free weights or weight-training machines.

Tags: exercise, osteoporosis