For those of you who don’t know what the “Better Bones and Balance” program is, let me explain.
It all began with a study done at the Oregon State University in 2010 and was recognized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation and the National Osteoporosis Foundation in 2011. In the study a small group of researchers wanted to know if exercise could be use to reverse the ravages of Osteoporosis (reduction in the density of bone in the body). They found that yes, indeed, with the right exercises 3 days per week, 45 minutes per session, consistently for a period of 12 months Osteoporosis can be REVERSED!
They also found that the advantages are not just about bone density. Even strong bones can break if a person falls with enough force or at the right angle. Even weak bones can be kept from breaking if the person never falls. So by training body in methods of agility (balance, muscle strength and aerobic endurance), the subjects in the study had a much better rate of continuing to live independently and with much better quality of life than their control group counterparts (the people in the study who did not participate in any exercise through the 8 month program). Once a person falls, continuing a physical therapy and exercise program during the painful recuperation process is much less likely to happen and the patient atrophies (muscles become weaker) and never does recover. In other words, if we can keep people from falling, they have a better chance of remaining in their homes.
After the 8 month study, the exercising participants saw such benefits that they strongly urged and convinced the University to continue the program. Many of those original participants still attend the classes to this day. I had the pleasure of meeting some of them.
I am fortunate that the Oregon State University now trains and certifies people from across the country in September every year in this wonderful program! If interested in learning more, I encourage you to read about it at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/physicalactivity/bbb/ .
I am happy to be associated with and certified in the wonderful, healthful program!