May is the most “designated” month of the year. You’re probably familiar with many: National High Blood Pressure Month, National Mental Health Month and National Arthritis Month.

Some of the designated months actually fit together well. For example, May is National Osteoporosis Prevention Month, National Running and Fitness Month, Senior Health and Fitness Month and Older Americans Month. The common thread that runs through all of these is exercise.

Exercise is essential for preventing osteoporosis, a condition found more frequently in older people characterized by fragility of the bone due to low bone density. Because it has no symptoms, it is not usually diagnosed until a bone is broken. Earlier diagnosis can be made by a simple bone density test, for which Medicare will pay.

The treatment, in addition to medications and diet, is — you guessed it — exercise, primarily weight-bearing and resistance. Walking, dancing and climbing stairs are examples of weight-bearing exercises. Resistance exercises are the strengthening exercises that build muscle and bone mass, such as lifting weights. If you have osteoporosis, you should not use skating or skiing for exercise because of the high risk of falling. Also be careful about jogging or jumping rope because they have too much impact.

Developing a good sense of balance is also important for someone with osteoporosis. The best way to improve balance is with activities like Tai Chi.

Exercise in general is considered a main part of therapy for many illnesses. It’s as close to the “fountain of youth” as anything we know. Getting started is the hardest part.

— Theresa Becker, RN, Johnson County Health Department