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Aerobics for Your Bones
Aerobics for Your Bones For women in their 50s, the postmenopausal stage can be the most crucial time in their lives, particularly with respect to declining hormone levels and bone density. Evidence suggests that women lose approximately 2.5 percent of their bone mineral density (BMD) per year following menopause. But a recent analysis of 13 studies showed that aerobic exercise can help maintain BMD as women age.
Of the exercises evaluated, the most positive data with respect to bone density was associated with jogging, brisk walking and stair climbing, in that order. Results indicated that BMD was most improved in the lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck.
For years, prescription drugs has been the first line of defense in preventing bone loss and osteoporosis; however, this analysis adds to increasing evidence suggesting the value of more conservative tactics, namely exercise. For more information on ways to maintain bone density and ward off osteoporosis, talk to your doctor of chiropractic;
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