Dancing Builds Strong Bones
Filed under: Osteoporosis
If you want your children to have stong bones as they age, you might want to encourage an interest in dance. A recent study published in Osteoporosis International found that dance training, especially in pre-adolescent children, had overwhelming positive effects on the skeleton. It optimized bone mass, reduced the risk of osteoporosis, and set the kids up for a lifetime of good bone health.
Brisbane endocrinologist Margaret Williamson, who has a special interest in osteoporosis, said studies such as the Melbourne one suggested that specific forms of exercise when done by pre-pubescent children could be beneficial in maintaining bone density long term.
Other types of exercise, including walking, running, and games like tennis and golf are also good. However, care should be taken to not take exercise to an extreme. If girls exercise too much once they're through puberty they may switch off their hormone production and lose their periods. The fall in estrogen could then cause a loss of bone.
Posted by laura on July 14, 2006 2:39 PM
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Sounds like a great fun way to keep your bones strong!