12 Mar Get your kids moving and jumping!
Osteoporosis, or low bone density, is something we associate with getting old. But, wouldn’t it be better to prevent this “silent” disease? It can be as simple as getting your kids jumping!
We all have a “bone bank”. We make deposits in the bank until we are 30. After that, we start to “spend” our deposits. If you want to make sure you have enough in the bank, you need to put in as much as you can before you turn 30. But, how do we do this?
Weight bearing exercise is one way. Jumping games, skipping, stomping to music, running and even walking are all ways to improve bone density. Then there is the food you eat and what you drink. It is not just dairy foods that contain calcium (and these days there are more intolerances to dairy products). Green vegetables, tofu, canned chick peas, salmon, sardines, dried figs, almonds and eggs are some good choices.
The next generation of children may develop osteoporosis earlier because they have less physical play than the previous generation, who used to walk or ride their bikes to school, played dodge the ball, football or skipping games at recess and lunch time, and didn’t have access to iPads, smart phones, computers and video games, though they did have TV. Additionally, in Australia in the 1980’s the “Slip, Slop, Slap” campaign was so successful that 30% of our population now has low levels of Vitamin D, a nutrient essential for the formation of strong bones.
Doing balancing exercises designed by our experienced Hoppers Crossing paediatric physio’s can prevent falls and, as a result, prevent broken bones. See how long you and your kids can stand on one leg – make a game of it – it could save you from a lot of pain later in life.
Now you can see that osteoporosis is not just for the elderly. Getting your kids jumping, ensuring there is enough calcium in their diet and a little bit of sunshine from a young age will help prevent this “silent” disease!
Speak to one of our experienced paediatric physiotherapists in Hoppers Crossing to discuss preventing osteoporosis in your children today.
No Comments