ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT ONLINE/APP): A new Canadian study finds that
physical activity and bone strength in more than 300 teens over a
four-year period that is important for healthy bone development
ages 10 to 14 for girls and ages 12 to 16 for boys.
During those years, up to 36 percent of the skeleton is
formed, and bone is particularly responsive to physical activity,
the researchers said, The telegraph reported.
“We found that teens who are less active had weaker bones,
and bone strength is critical for preventing fractures,” said lead
author Leigh Gabel, a Ph.D. candidate in orthopedics at the
University of British Columbia.
“Kids who are sitting around are not loading their bones in
ways that promote bone strength,” which is why teens need to
engage in weight-bearing activities such as running and jumping
and sports like soccer, ultimate Frisbee and basketball, Gabel
said in a university news release.
Teens don’t have to do structured or organized sports and
activities to boost their bone health. Simple things such as
dancing at home, playing tag at the park, chasing the dog or
hopping and skipping are also effective, according to the
researchers.
Parents and caregivers should limit teens’ screen time and
be good role models of an active lifestyle, said co-author Heather
McKay, a professor at UBC and director of the Centre for Hip
Health and Mobility in Vancouver.