Bone is an active tissue, continually rebuilding itself throughout the lifespan. Regular weight-bearing activity or strength training promotes optimal bone health which includes activities such as jogging, tennis, aerobics and walking. Activities such as cycling and swimming, while they are fantastic for aerobic fitness, don't increase bone mass.

A diet rich in high-calcium foods, such as milk, cheese and yogurt or calcium-fortified soy milk help to make regular calcium "deposits" to the bone calcium bank. Excessive salt, protein and caffeine-containing food and drinks can increase calcium losses. People with osteoporosis need to take extra care when exercising. A qualified exercise physiologist or physiotherapist should supervise strength training to avoid injury.

Female athletes with amenorrhoea for longer than six months, a history of anorexia nervosa, or a history of stress fractures may require routine screening for bone mineral density.

Click here to read more on Bone Health fact sheet.pdf