World Osteoporosis Day is being marked this year by a focus on exercise as a way to strengthen and maintain bones.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation celebrated the day in Berlin and launched a 3-year-campaign focused on lifestyle choices.
Osteoporosis attacks the bones, weakening the mass and making them susceptible to slight pressure.
A new report by the group, titled "Move it or Lose it," highlights the importance of strong bones in preventing problems like broken and fractured bones and lowering rehabilitation times.
Professor Helmut Minne, IOF board member and report author, said exercise is key in building and strengthening bones.
Bones are living tissues that need to be used or they will deteriorate, the report says.
A study in Finland reports young girls who exercise regularly have 40 percent more bone mass than inactive young girls.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
