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.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about keeping your bones strong and healthy. Previously, we discussed the nutritional requirements for strong bones. But nutrition isn’t all it takes.
Dr. Naim Maalouf, a mineral metabolism expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says exercise can help preserve and increase bone mass. The best exercises for bone strength are weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, hiking, dancing, tennis and stair-climbing. Weight training can also help strengthen bones.
In addition to strengthening bones, exercise also helps build stronger muscles, which improves balance and stability and reduces your risk for falling and breaking a bone. You should talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.
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October 2007
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