Walking does NOT help prevent Falls!!!

In older populations, walking stands as the most commonly chosen form of exercise, yet its effect on falls remains uncertain. To delve deeper into this issue, a recent study delved into the repercussions of a 48-week walking program on falls among older individuals.

The study involved 386 physically inactive individuals aged 65 years and above, residing in community settings, who were randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group received a 48-week walking program, consisting of self-paced activity guided by three mailed printed manuals and supplemented with telephone coaching. Meanwhile, control group participants received health-related information unrelated to falls, concurrently with the distribution of walking program materials. Falls were monitored using monthly calendars over the 48-week period, serving as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included self-reported quality of life, falls efficacy, exercise and walking levels. Additionally, a sub-sample of participants (n = 178) underwent assessments for mobility, leg strength, and choice stepping reaction time.

The results revealed no significant difference in fall rates between the intervention and control groups during the follow-up period (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 0.88, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.60-1.29). However, by the study's conclusion, participants in the intervention group demonstrated a noteworthy increase in overall exercise time, particularly in walking for exercise, compared to the control group (median 1.69 versus 0.75 hours/week, P < 0.001).

In summary, the findings suggest that while a walking program may not effectively prevent falls, it does contribute to elevated levels of physical activity among previously inactive older individuals. This outcome echoes previous research and raises questions regarding the suitability of advocating walking as a primary strategy for fall prevention in older populations. Nonetheless, walking remains a valuable means to enhance physical activity levels in this demographic.

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Does this mean we have to drink breastmilk?

How Babies Absorb Calcium May Help Our Seniors

Recent studies have uncovered a fascinating mechanism behind how breastfeeding infants efficiently absorb significant amounts of calcium, playing a crucial role in the development of robust and healthy bones. This groundbreaking discovery may hold the key to future treatments for conditions like osteoporosis and other bone diseases that manifest later in life.

Led by Megan Beggs, a pediatric dietitian and PhD candidate in physiology at the University of Alberta, the research sheds light on the absorption channels present in the lower two-thirds of the small intestines of breastfed infant mice. Published in the journal Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the study reveals a stark contrast to adult mammals, where the majority of calcium absorption occurs in the upper part of the small intestines.

Babies undergo a remarkable process of transforming the cartilage they are born with into the 206 bones that comprise the human skeleton. To facilitate this transformation, infants require substantial amounts of calcium, particularly during the first year of life. Interestingly, this mineral deposition continues at a slower rate until approximately age 25.

The significance of understanding this infant mechanism lies in its potential implications for reversing bone-related diseases in humans. Todd Alexander, a pediatric nephrologist at the University of Alberta and the senior author of the paper, emphasizes that this understanding could be a crucial step toward developing therapeutic interventions for individuals with compromised bone health, including the elderly or sick children in neonatal intensive care who may not have had the opportunity to breastfeed.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to delve further into the mechanism, exploring its application in pigs, which share closer physiological similarities with humans than mice. Additionally, they aim to investigate the hypothesis that a hormone in breast milk regulates the channels responsible for calcium absorption. If proven true, this could open avenues for practical applications, such as extracting the active ingredient from breast milk or synthesizing it for administration as a tablet or injection.

While the practical application of these findings for humans may be several years away, the potential for a therapeutic breakthrough in bone health is promising, offering hope for improved treatments and preventative measures against conditions like osteoporosis. In the meantime, ongoing research continues to unravel the intricacies of this remarkable mechanism, bringing us one step closer to unlocking the secrets of bone development and health.

At RenewMe Fitness, our dedicated personal trainers are well-versed in the significance of strength training for overall health, including its pivotal role in enhancing bone density. Understanding the profound impact of strength training on bone health, our trainers incorporate targeted exercises that stimulate bone growth and fortify skeletal structures. By emphasizing resistance training, our fitness experts guide clients through tailored workout routines designed to load bones with stress, promoting the production of new bone tissue. This strategic approach not only contributes to increased bone density but also fortifies the entire musculoskeletal system, fostering resilience and minimizing the risk of fractures. Through personalized fitness plans, RenewMe Fitness personal trainers empower individuals to not only achieve their fitness goals but also invest in long-term bone health, ensuring a foundation of strength that endures over time.