Solid Investments in Uncertain Times

 We are all too familiar with the current financial and banking crisis’s that have hit our country in recent times. The once seemingly infallible banks have had their shortfalls exposed and as usual it is the ordinary man and woman on the street who has born the brunt of the downfall. It is probably safe to say that we all know at least one person who has now got a house worth less than what they borrowed to pay for it, or has a pension fund that is worth less than what they paid in to it.

However there is one bank that we are all free to invest in, and if invested in wisely will pay dividends for the rest of our lives. This bank is open all hours, has our best interests at heart and will only go bankrupt if we neglect to manage our account wisely. The name of this wonderful institution? Our Health Bank.

We need to ensure we include the following factors in our lifestyles to ensure we keep our health account in the black.

·    Eat a varied diet of non-processed, colourful foods.

·    Keep hydrated. Your body needs pure fresh water, avoid sodas and carbonated drinks. These are normally loaded with sugar and leech calcium from your bones.

·    Make time to move! Our bodies were designed to move. Incorporate an exercise routine into your life, whether it is a dance class, playing tennis or a regular walk every day, find an activity you enjoy and incorporate it into your lifestyle. Regular weight bearing exercise is proven to strengthen bones and aids in combating the advancement of osteoporosis.

magnesium intake increases bone mineral density and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis

Proving it’s never too late to make positive lifestyle changes that have an impact on our health a  recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society has shown that dietary intake of magnesium is associated with an increase in bone mineral density in older men and women.

The study involved 2,038 men and women aged 70-79. Their magnesium intakes were assessed and the results were that those in the group that had a higher intake of magnesium through diet and supplement also had a higher bone density. In collecting the data the researcher  also accounted for variations in age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol use, physical activity, oestrogen use, and supplemental calcium and vit  D.

Tip for the Month

Increase your bone density by performing weight bearing exercises, eating calcium rich foods and getting some sunlight.
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