No bone to pick with exercise

PEOPLE with osteoporosis, or weakened bones, should be encouraged to do more, not less, exercise, according to an expert panel.

It looked at how best to maximise bone health, stave off fracture risk and improve posture in those with the condition.

E x e r c i s e should include m u s c l e strengthening exercises on two to three days of the week and brief bursts of moderate impact activities, such as jogging, aerobics or Zumba on most days.

An estimated 137 million women and 21 million men have osteoporosis, with this prevalence expected to double within the next 40 years.

Hip and spine fractures can interfere with independence and reduce life expectancy, while vertebral fractures are associated with long-term pain.

Regular exercise strengthens bones, reduces the risk of fractures and falls and improves posture as well as boosting overall mental and physical health, so it’s important that people with osteoporosis don’t miss out on these health benefits.