Helping Your Team be Strong for Life

The word osteoporosis may conjure up a picture of a frail elderly woman, but did you know that HALF of all adults age 50 and older are at risk of breaking a bone due to poor bone health? Age 50...not 90. Many of these people may be working for your organization and if they have a sedentary desk job, they may be at an even greater risk for bone fractures and breaks! ?

Bones need movement and weight-bearing movement in particular to be healthy. When you exercise your bones benefit by:?

• Preventing bone loss in adults.?
• Making bones denser and replacing old bone with new bone.?
• Improves balance and coordination.?
• Helps prevent falls and fractures.?
• Helps prevent osteoporosis. ?

If your employees sit most of the day, the lack of that movement and weight-bearing activity they may lose strength and bone density.?And, the average healing time for a minor fracture can be 3-6 weeks meaning missed work and more stress on your team to keep up with the workload.?

So, how can you as an employer help encourage employees to be strong and fit for healthy bones and for overall health? Educate and empower them to be proactive NOW – regardless of age and fitness level. ? ?

• Share information in your employee newsletter or intranet about bone health - I.e. benefits of calcium and vitamin D.?

• Provide resources for movement. Discounts for gyms, walking meetings, stretch breaks, etc.?
• Encourage healthy behaviors like quitting smoking which can contribute to bone loss. ?
• Bring in speakers and experts to talk about the importance of exercise, healthy eating, and other well-being topics that support bone health and a healthy lifestyle. ?

Sounds like a lot but simple reminders and resources can make a big difference in the overall health and well-being of your team. Need more information on how to educate and empower your employees on this topic or others? Set up a Free workplace strategy session with our CEO, Niki Campbell. ?

Want to improve your personal wellness and become better educated on healthy living topics? Join our LinkedIn Group: Flourish@Work - Wellness Support, Accountability and Coaching for High Performing Professionals | Groups | LinkedIn?

REFERENCE:?

www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Osteoporosis-Fast-Facts.pdf?

?