Healthy Bones Week

Healthy Bones Action Week 21 – 27 August:

Healthy Bones Action Week is aimed at encouraging Australians to think about their bones and remind them of the key steps to maintain good bone health, eating calcium-rich foods, well, exercising and getting some safe sunshine for vitamin D.   There are lots of great resources on bone health on the Dairy Health website.

Exercise and Bone Health

Exercise plays a vital role in maintaining bone health at all stages of life, building bone strength during childhood and adolescence, maintaining muscles and strong bones as adults and reducing bone loss as we age.    They type of activities that best supports bone health is WEIGHT BEARING EXERCISE.  What does this mean?  Essentially this means exercise which is done on your feet so you bear your own weight.   This may include walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, gardening, playing tennis, and dancing.  Resistance exercises – such as lifting weights, swimming, hydrotherapy & water aerobics – can also strengthen bones.  Balance exercises strengthen the muscles which keep you upright, eg. Legs and core, these are important for improving stability and preventing falls.

Keep it simple, take a brisk walk outside while getting some sunshine (vitamin D)!

How can physiotherapy help with bone health?

Prevention is key!  

Your physio will assess you taking in to consideration any physical constraints or conditions.  They will design an exercise program  which will enable you to safely strengthen and progress.     At EBR Physio we also offer small Physio-led group classes which are tailored to each participant.  Please contact us if you would like to find out more.