Central Coast Home and Lifestyle Spring 2022

Central Coast Retirement Lifest yle

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Bone Health R heumatoid arthritis is a particular form of arthritis. It is an auto-immune condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints. There are several reasons why people who have rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Inflammation is part of our natural response to germs or harmful substances. In normal circumstances the heat and redness of inflammation is visible proof that the immune system is working hard to protect the body. In rheumatoid arthritis the immune system can turnon thebody toattack itsownhealthy joints. The joints become inflamed, and the resulting damage can trigger further inflammation and damage. Rheumatoid arthritis which is not controlled may have an impact on other areas of the body, particularly the bones. Bone surrounding arthritic joints may be weakened by the inflammation occurring nearby. This damage can often be seen on X-rays. Natural chemicals released by the body from inflamed joints can circulate around the body, weakening other parts of the skeleton and increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Joint inflammation can cause pain and difficulty moving. It is understandable that having painful and stiff joints can make it difficult to stay active. However bones need the ‘stress’ of regular exercise to stay strong and healthy. Over time a lack of physical activity may cause your bones to become weaker, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Steroid medications (also called glucocorticoids or corticosteroids) are

regularly monitored. Your doctor may refer you for a bone density scan. This is because undiagnosed osteoporosis can lead to broken bones. If required osteoporosis medication may be prescribed to help manage and protect your bone health. For more information about rheumatoid arthritis please visit Arthritis Australia www. arthritisaustralia.com.au or phone 1800 011 041 Half of all falls occur around the home. Balance exercises typically include standing still exercises: standing on one leg, standing tall raising arms, put one foot in front of the other and hold, tai chi. Moving exercises: walking in small circles, walking with sudden change of direction, stepping over obstacles, walking on toes, walking with arms raised above the head. Dual task exercises: standing on one leg while throwing and catching a ball. Please refer to the Healthy Bones Australia Exercise Guide based on guidelines published by Exercise and Sports Science Australia and it isageneral guide toappropriateexercise for the prevention and management of osteoporosis. This can be shared with a personal trainer as required. Note - exercise should be conducted within your capacity and supervised exercise is recommended for people with diagnosed osteoporosis. Supervised Exercise Program – Healthy Bones Australia has aligned with an accredited exercise program called ONERO. This training approach is based on research studies conducted in women and men with osteoporosis. Exercise professionals must complete a certified training program to deliver ONERO training to members of the public. To find an ONERO Accredited Practitioner near you visit: www.onero. academy/osteoporosis-exercises Call 1800 242 141 or Visit our website healthybonesaustralia.org.au

commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis. They are very effective at reducing pain and swelling in the joints. However, it is also well known that steroid medications taken over a long period can lead to bone weakness and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Investigating Bone Health For these reasons people living with rheumatoid arthritis should have their bone health investigated and

is essential to maintain mobility. Exercise must be ongoing to have a proper benefit. Throughout life exercise goals for bone health change over time from building maximum bone strength in childhood and adolescence , maintaining muscle and bone strength in adulthood, reducing bone loss in older age and maintaining muscle strength to support mobility and balance. Weight bearing impact loading exercise. What is it? Exercise done on your feet so you bear your own weight which jolts

Exercise plays an important role in maintaining bone health

22 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Spring 2022 amount of impact or strain is placed on them making specific types of exercise most beneficial. The ability of an exercise to have an impact on bone depends on the specific way that stress is applied to the bone during the exercise. Exercise is also important for the size, strength and capacity of our muscles which R esearch has demonstrated that when it comes to our bones not all exercise is equal. Bones benefit when a certain

bones rapidly and firmly. Examples: jogging, skipping, basketball, netball, tennis, dancing, impact aerobics, stair walking. Resistance training. What is it? Using hand and ankle weights and gym equipment. Example: training with weights which progress in intensity over time. Balance Exercises and Preventing Falls - balance and mobility exercises can also help to reduce falls which can lead to fractures.