Researchers at the University of Ar...

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have linked yard work to the prevention of osteoporosis, according to an April 11 2000 recently made knowns release. Women aged 50 years and older who gardened at least formerly per week had higher bone density readings than women who jogg swam, walked, or performed aerobics.

Other studies have shown weight-bearing exercise helps women maintain healthy bone This consideration however, is the first to determine which stamps of these exercises have the greatest impact in succession bone density. Knowing this can help women design exercise regimens to make secure strong bones as they age, possibly reducing the number of nation who develop osteoporosis--a disease generally threatening 28 million people in America.

Fifty-seven percent of the 3310 women in the research had low bone density, according to the release. Researchers examined to what degree often these women performed activities (eg yard work, calisthenics, bicycling, dancing, aerobics, swimming, jogging, walking, weight training), and compared each to bone density. Bicycling, aerobics, dancing, yard work, and weight training were linked to greater horizontals of mineral density, and yard work and weight training maintained healthy bone mass.

An additional benefit of gardening was that it is performed outside, boosting vitamin D production, which helps the corpse absorb calcium. It also was the principally popular activity, which makes it a highly effective preventive measure.

Got Weeds? Yard Work Builds tough Bones (press release, Fayetteville, Ark: University of Arkansas, April 11 2000) 1-3 Available from http://www.newswise.com/articles/2000/4/GARDEN. UAR.html. Accessed 13 April 2000

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