It's important, but don't bank on exercise alone to prevent osteoporosis, experts say
Article Abstract:
It is clear that immobility and lack of weight-bearing exercise can cause permanent loss of bone mineral. This is supported by the experience of astronauts who exist in a weightless state during space flights, and by studies of patients immobilized following injury. It seems logical to extend the evidence to conclude that exercise can prevent osteoporosis, a chronic and often debilitating disease characterized by bone mineral loss and fractures. However, it appears that exercise is only one factor involved in the risk for osteoporosis, which is particularly prevalent among postmenopausal women. Relying on exercise to prevent the disease is not wise, according to one researcher who favors estrogen replacement therapy to combat the rapid bone degeneration that often occurs in the first decade after menopause. Yet, this researcher also believes that exercise is extremely valuable and can be the factor that delays fractures, pain, and disability by as much as 10 to 15 years in older women. There is not enough evidence yet to prescribe a specific exercise regimen for preventing osteoporosis, but experts agree that engaging in weight-bearing exercise and an active lifestyle throughout one's life span is advisable. The activities recommended for increasing bone mass include running, low-impact aerobics, ballet, tennis, and weight training; walking and swimming have other benefits but do not build bone mass. Some experts suggest a routine of weight-bearing exercise for 30 to 45 minutes, at least three times weekly. While doing substantially more exercise may have diminishing returns, discontinuing the habit leads to reversal of the benefits gained. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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While some correctional facilities go smoke-free, others appear to help inmates to light up
Article Abstract:
Despite the known risks of tobacco use, and in some cases the danger of fire, some prison officials support present policies, which provide prisoners with tobacco at either reduced prices or for free. Corrections departments of two states - Illinois and Michigan - manufacture their own cigarettes. In Illinois the cigarettes are sold to inmates at $.35 per pack, in part because the state does not pay the $.16 per pack federal tobacco excise tax. While some jailers claim that withholding tobacco could lead to prison riots, others are concerned with the cost of tobacco in terms of increased health care, cleaning, and safety risks. On April 8, 1990, the New York City Correction Officer's Benevolent Association and the Assistant Warden's Association purchased space in the New York Times to lament the distribution of cigarettes at discount prices to adolescent inmates. According to statistics, approximately 75 percent of the approximately 1,000 adolescent prisoners between 16 and 18 smoke. The present policy is defended as a security measure because it is anticipated that a smoking ban would precipitate trouble. The advertisement was apparently used as a union ploy to bring attention to the contract negotiations which were underway. Within the two states who manufacture cigarettes, the practice is also defended on the basis of teaching vocational skills and because it provides prison jobs for inmates. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Even air in the home is not entirely free of potential pollutants
Article Abstract:
The results of a ten year study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicated that most Americans are subjected to unsafe air in the home more frequently than in industrial settings. Most individual exposure to known or suspected carcinogens was found to be a result of personal activities rather than from commercial sources. This subject was a focus of the second annual Science Writer's Forum, sponsored by the American Lung Association. The conclusions discussed were formulated from data derived by a large study begun in 1979 which focused upon a broad range of environmental pollutants and included 2,000 participants in 12 U.S. cities. Some of the risks that were identified included: smoking, use of room deodorizers, exposure to clothing that is dry-cleaned, and showering. Most of the hazards that were identified were linked to exposure to one or more of the following common chemicals: tetrachloroethylene, benzene, paradichlorobenzene, and chloroform. Although the risk factors involved in indoor pollution have not been quantified, increased concern has been generated. It was concluded that changes in personal habits will probably be the most effective way to avoid these substances. Some suggestions include increased ventilation in the home, airing out of clothes after dry-cleaning, and quitting smoking or avoiding passive smoking.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
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