Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
Our bodies change as we age, which means we may have to make adjustments and address new health concerns. This week on Health Watch, we’ll talk about some health issues seniors need to think about. One major cause of disability in older adults is broken bones. These injuries occur because poor balance may lead to falls and because bones may weaken with age so they’re more likely to break. There’s something you can do about both of these problems: exercise.
Dr. Naim Maalouf, a mineral metabolism expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says exercise helps maintain or increase bone mass while also strengthening muscles, which can help improve balance and prevent falls. Walking, jogging, dancing, tennis and stair climbing are good exercises for bone strength, but talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
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May 2007
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