Bone density refers to how much bone minerals, including calcium and other minerals, are held within the bone. Healthy bones are dense, and so they contain a high amount of mineral content. As we age, it’s critical that we maintain an increased bone density so that we can avoid life-limiting bone breaks.
Metabolic syndrome is primarily caused by lifestyle, more specifically, a lifestyle that does not include regular activity and healthy eating. Further, our risk of developing metabolic syndrome increases as we age, or if our family history includes members that have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. In addition, if you have already been diagnosed with liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, sleep apnea, or if you are of Hispanic descent, your risk of developing metabolic disease is also increased.
Many confuse osteopenia and osteoporosis, and while both are bone diseases and linked, they have some differences. Think of osteopenia as on the continuum between having strong, healthy bones and having weakened and easily fractured osteoporotic bones. A bone density test will show whether your bones are solid and robust, or are now weakened by osteopenia, or if your bone loss is so advanced, you now have osteoporosis. Bone density testing is painless and much like an x-ray. This test measures the calcium and other minerals in bones; the examination will reveal if you have osteopenia.
While there is a volunteer role for everyone, including those with limited physical abilities, roles that require more physicality offer greater physical benefits. These benefits include a decrease in back pain, obesity, and high blood pressure! So, if you are looking for a new challenge and want to feel a part of something larger than yourself, get out of the hose and get busy!
Many of us have experienced group or team sport at one point in our lives, either at an informal ‘just for fun’ level or at an ultra-competitive elite level. Perhaps you have never had the opportunity or interest to join a team. Whatever the case, the benefits of being involved in team sport are numerous.
Goal setting is highly personal, and unless you want to, there is no need to share them with others. However, if you have a supportive network of family and friends, sharing your fitness goals with them may encourage them to cut you some slack as your schedule changes. Or, even better, they may want to join you in your quest for better health!
High blood pressure has long been known as the ‘silent killer,’ more formally known as hypertension. Unfortunately, this frightening phrase ‘silent killer’ is all too accurate as high blood pressure does not present any noticeable signs or symptoms. The only way to determine your blood pressure level is to have it checked by a medical professional.
