CHENNAI: Health professionals point out the importance a fitness regime can have in preventing osteoporosis. . Physically active individuals have higher bone mass than sedentary individuals, and thus have a reduced risk of osteoporosis.

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation (FLO) held a seminar on osteoporosis on Monday with the aim of increasing awareness about the disease among its members. Speakers explained the need for exercise, diet and health check ups. Bones of the hip, wrist and spine are the ones that easily break . Developing hump and age related alterations in bones are because the bone mass density is low. Proper diet that includes enough sources of vitamins and fibre and exercises to increase the bone mass density can minimise the risks said experts who participated in the seminar .

The panel discussion was led by Prithika Chari, neurologist, Apollo Hospitals, who stressed the need for regular health check ups, diet and a fitness regimen. Kannan Pugazhendi ,director, Fitness Foundation Academy, YMCA College of Physical Education, Jayashree Gopal, consultant endocrinologist at Apollo Hospitals and Shahnaz B. Gulrez, director, Health and Nutrition Services, Green Coalition Network participated.

The FLO members were told that the most important hormones for healthy bones in women is oestrogen, which drops towards pre-menopausal and menopausal age.

A woman's risk of developing an osteoporosis-related hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.

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