Introduction

Osteoporosis is the weakness of bones due to a loss in bone density. This may result in a predisposition to fractures and collapse of spinal bones. It is most often age related but may also be associated with dietary deficiencies. The risk of developing osteoporosis may be reduced by a balanced diet with plenty of calcium and Vitamin D. Sports and exercise is beneficial. In adolescence and early adulthood this has the effect of increasing the mass and density of the bones. In peri-menopausal adult females and the elderly appropriate exercise reduces the age related loss of bone density.

Osteoporosis is the age related phenomena of a weakening of the bones due to a loss of the calcified matrix in the structure of the bone. This occurs as a result of a natural ageing effect, the reduction in activity with age which reduces the stress and strain on the skeleton, and the effect of altered hormonal environment in post-menopausal women. The effect of osteoporosis may be minimised by maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin D. The natural skeleton reacts to the stresses and strains it experiences, therefore exercise is an excellent way of preventing or minimising the degree of any age related osteoporosis.

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