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905-702-5723 Cell: 905-703-1531 32 Samuel Cres., Georgetown *Are you longing for a physique transformation? *Are you lacking in energy? *Do you feel you are wasting time and energy exercising without results? *Are you losing muscle mass? Are your joints paying a high price? CALL NOW TO BE ON YOUR WAY TO LOOK AND FEEL THE DIFFERENCE AT LETS GET FIT. LETS TOGET HER *by appointment only We have moved to a new location! HEALTH CARE - Wednesday, September 24, 2008 3 Sticks and stones can break your bones if you are one of the 1.4 mil- lion Canadians who have been diag- nosed with osteoporosis. Os t eoporos i s l i t e r a l l y means porous bones and is characterized by the deterioration of bone tissue. One in four women over the age of 50 will be diagnosed with this dis- ease, but contrary to popular belief men are also at risk. In fact, one in eight men will also be affected and should ask their phys ic ian about having their bone mineral density tested. People wi th os teoporos i s have decreased bone strength which puts them at a higher risk for fractures. Common areas of fracture are the wrists, hips and spine. A person with decreased bone density can cause a compression fracture in their spine simply by walking. There are many different medica- t ions ava i lab le now to he lp t reat osteoporosis and along with physio- therapy and weight bearing exercise people can actually increase their bone mass. What will a physiotherapist do for you? A physiotherapist will educate you on the importance of weight bearing and strengthening exercises to assist in the bone building process. The exercises should be tailored to suit your needs and interests and should easily fit into your daily routine. Strengthening exercises will target muscles around the wrists, hips and spine. Contracting a muscle will in turn cause a pul l on the tendon, which is attached to the bone. This pull will stimulate bone growth. Weight bearing exercises include activities such as walking, running, aerobics or tai chi. Activities such as swimming and biking are great for overall fitness but not the best choic- es for building bone. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone mass but not yet osteoporosis) a trip to the physiotherapist is definitely wor th your whi l e . The exerc i se s given can be done at home with one or two follow up visits to make sure they are being done correctly and that progress is being made. It has been proven that exercise along with the proper medication can increase bone mass and prevent life threaten- ing fractures. For more information on physio- therapy and osteoporosis you can attend a free one hour seminar being offered at Generations Physiother- apy Centre. Please call for additional information. Submitted by Jenni Veneruz, Registered Physiotherapist Generations Physiotherapy Centre info@generationsphysio.com Physiotherapy can aid in osteoporosis prevention