The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to determine and compare intentions toward planned bone health-promoting physical activity between overweight and healthy weight perimenopausal women from a southeastern Minnesota community who received BMD testing and bone health information.

Osteoporosis and related fractures are a major public health problem globally. Although traditionally considered to be a disease affecting the elderly, increased recognition that osteoporosis may have its foundation early in life has stimulated substantial research interest into factors which can influence skeletal development, including both genetic and lifestyle factors. This book provides a summary and integrative review of the current state of knowledge of factors that influence the development of bone health during childhood and adolescence. The focus is on the role of physical activity for optimizing bone development. Other relevant topics that are reviewed include the influence of genetics, nutrition, and hormonal factors on skeletal development. In addition, there are expert views on practical lifestyle strategies and guidelines that can be adopted to optimize bone health and prevent fractures during growth. The book provides an excellent source of recent information for exercise specialists, pediatricians, nutritionists, biomedical researchers, health promotion worker and public health professionals.

This exercise-based plan allows you to take an active role in improving the health of your musculoskeletal system and is a more effective way to manage the condition than dietary changes or medications alone. Learn how to assess your risk level and then choose the best exercises to boost bone health, muscle strength, mobility, and balance.--[book cover]

This first-ever Surgeon General's Report on bone health and osteoporosis illustrates the large burden that bone disease places on our Nation and its citizens. Like other chronic diseases that disproportionately affect the elderly, the prevalence of bone disease and fractures is projected to increase markedly as the population ages. If these predictions come true, bone disease and fractures will have a tremendous negative impact on the future well-being of Americans. But as this report makes clear, they need not come true: by working together we can change the picture of aging in America. Osteoporosis, fractures, and other chronic diseases no longer should be thought of as an inevitable part of growing old. By focusing on prevention and lifestyle changes, including physical activity and nutrition, as well as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, Americans can avoid much of the damaging impact of bone disease and other chronic diseases. This Surgeon General's Report brings together for the first time the scientific evidence related to the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of bone disease. More importantly, it provides a framework for moving forward. The report will be another effective tool in educating Americans about how they can promote bone health throughout their lives. This first-ever Surgeon General's Report on bone health and osteoporosis provides much needed information on bone health, an often overlooked aspect of physical health. This report follows in the tradition of previous Surgeon Generals' reports by identifying the relevant scientific data, rigorously evaluating and summarizing the evidence, and determining conclusions.

Physical inactivity is a key determinant of health across the lifespan. A lack of activity increases the risk of heart disease, colon and breast cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression and others diseases. Emerging literature has suggested that in terms of mortality, the global population health burden of physical inactivity approaches that of cigarette smoking. The prevalence and substantial disease risk associated with physical inactivity has been described as a pandemic. The prevalence, health impact, and evidence of changeability all have resulted in calls for action to increase physical activity across the lifespan. In response to the need to find ways to make physical activity a health priority for youth, the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment was formed. Its purpose was to review the current status of physical activity and physical education in the school environment, including before, during, and after school, and examine the influences of physical activity and physical education on the short and long term physical, cognitive and brain, and psychosocial health and development of children and adolescents. Educating the Student Body makes recommendations about approaches for strengthening and improving programs and policies for physical activity and physical education in the school environment. This report lays out a set of guiding principles to guide its work on these tasks. These included: recognizing the benefits of instilling life-long physical activity habits in children; the value of using systems thinking in improving physical activity and physical education in the school environment; the recognition of current disparities in opportunities and the need to achieve equity in physical activity and physical education; the importance of considering all types of school environments; the need to take into consideration the diversity of students as recommendations are developed. This report will be of interest to local and national policymakers, school officials, teachers, and the education community, researchers, professional organizations, and parents interested in physical activity, physical education, and health for school-aged children and adolescents.