October 20th is World Osteoporosis Day!
Osteoporosis is a disease that slowly and silently weakens bones, often going undiagnosed and affecting more than 2 million Canadians. It’s caused by low bone mass and the weakening of bone, which can lead to increased risk of fracture. In fact, 80% of people who have had at least one osteoporotic fracture are neither identified nor treated for osteoporosis. At least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will break a bone due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.
In addition to consuming enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein, you can help prevent osteoporosis by engaging in regular weight bearing exercises. Don't let the name fool you -- these types of workouts aren't about pumping iron! The goal of these exercises is to get you on your feet, so your bones and muscles need to work against gravity to keep you upright. Essentially, your bones react to the weight on them by building themselves up and getting stronger.
Today, the MEDUCOM team did some squats, incline pushups, yoga, and 1-leg balance exercises to promote healthy bones. Especially in a time where many of us are working from home and seated throughout the day, it’s even more important to get on our feet to promote long-term bone health.
For more information on osteoporosis, visit:
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