Get out in the garden to prevent osteoporosisNew Brunswick, NJ, -- Try gardening to cut your risk of developing osteoporosis, a leading crippler of women. Dr. Lori Turner and her associates at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville found that only weight training was better than yard work as an activity most highly associated with reducing the risk for osteoporosis. Dr. Turner's work is highlighted in the forthcoming issue of the National Women's Health Report, "Osteoporosis and Women's Health." "Yard work and weight training were both strong and independent predictors of healthy bone density," according to Dr. Turner. "Gardening has the advantage that it is done by many more people and because it is something they enjoy, they are more likely to stick with it. It also can be done safely." The study looked at data for 3,310 women aged 50 years and older who were part of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Only 43% of the women had normal bone density levels. In osteoporosis, a loss of minerals results in bones losing their mass and strength. "Osteoporosis & Women's Health": •Describes some of the latest osteoporosis research and how it applies to daily life.• Gives details on the latest osteoporosis medication therapies. • Offers insight on what girls and women at different life stages can do to prevent the disease. • Outlines lifestyle tips that women with osteoporosis can use to prevent falls around the house, where 60 percent of fatal falls in older adults happen. • Lists organizations and books to use as resources. • Talks about other lifestyle habits that can help: quitting smoking, following a healthy diet, getting adequate amounts of calcium, Vitamin D, and other minerals. • Discusses the DEXA scan, the test used to measure bone density. It was produced with the support of an educational grant from Eli Lilly and Company. The National Women's Health Resource Center is the nation's leading independent, nonprofit organization specifically dedicated to educating women of all ages about health and wellness issues. Its Web site, www.healthywomen.org, is a one-stop shop for women's health. |
| Tips for Healthful Gardening Gardening is not a dainty activity. Yard work is hard work involving pulling weeds, digging holes and carrying dirt, mulch or gravel. If you decide to garden, you should learn about the safe use of equipment and safe techniques for doing strenuous work. Apply sunscreen, insect repellent and moisturizer before heading out. Gardening early in the morning or in the evening is one way to protect against too much sun. Start small. If you're new to yard work or have been sitting around all winter, start with a small task and a short period of time. Avoid overdoing early in the season. Remember your back. Bend from the knees. Use a wheelbarrow or cart for hauling. Sit to take the stress off your back, knees and hips. If you don't have a garden of your own? Sign up for a plot at a community garden. Help a neighbor. Volunteer at a local school, religious institution or other public facility. Remember, gardening is America's number one outdoor leisure activity because it is fun. To order a free copy of "Osteoporosis & Women's Health" call toll-free 877-986-9472 or visit www.healthywomen.org. |
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