Strengthen Your Bones, Lengthen You Life.

I didn’t think it was true. I didn’t think it was possible. And, then, I didn’t think it was fair. After being diagnosed at the early age of 30 with Osteoporosis, a silent, yet fatal disease, I was not sure what to do or where to go. I was doing everything I understood to be healthy, but something along my life journey caused my bones to become porous and weak.
I began to see a ton of doctors and completed endless hours of research on the causes and symptoms of Osteoporosis. You may not think that you are at risk, but neither did I. Here are some of the common risk factors:
Age. As you age, your potential risk increases.
Gender. Women start out with less bone and they lose bone tissue more rapidly as they age.
Race. Caucasian and Asian women are most at risk for the disease, but African American and Hispanic women can get it too.
Figure type. Women with small bones and those who are thin are more liable to have osteoporosis.
Early menopause. Women who stop menstruating early because of heredity, surgery or lots of physical exercise may lose large amounts of bone tissue early in life. Conditions such as anorexia and bulimia also may lead to early menopause and osteoporosis.
Lifestyle. People who smoke or drink too much, or do not get enough exercise have an increased chance of osteoporosis.
Diet. Those who do not get enough calcium or protein may be more likely to have osteoporosis. That is why people who constantly diet are more prone to the disease.
Genetics.
I then began to focus my research and energy on improving bone density. Unfortunately, much of the research regarding improving bone health contradicts itself. However, research has proven that yoga does improve bone density. Yoga poses that focus on strengthening the body also strengthen the bones.
Over the last few months, I decided that I wanted to share my story and also all the research I have found. I want to help others with Osteoporosis, those who are at-risk and yoga and fitness instructors who may have students with Osteoporosis.
“55% of everyone older than 50 years will have low bone density and women are as likely to die after a hip fracture as from breast cancer.”
This is all scary, but true!!
Rather than provide you with all the details in this blog, please sign up for my newsletter and I will send you information on: Movements to Avoid, Yoga Poses to Avoid and Yoga Poses to Strengthen Bones and Increase Bone Density. I will also send you a research-based article proving yoga does improve bone density through doing specific yoga poses, which are pictured in the article. If you have already signed up, ask a friend to sign up and list you as the referral. I will send you and your friend the materials! Spread the info and spread the love!
Wishing you strength, courage and wisdom,
XO
L
Resources:
Fishman, Loren M., MD, and Ellen Saltonstall. Yoga for Osteoporosis. 2010.
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicin, http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Osteoporosis