AboutJ.P. Saleeby, MD Expertise Will only answer questions on Prevention, Longevity & Integrative Medicine. Please limit your questions to these fields of medicine.
This forum does not allow for the diagnosis and treatment of illness, so please don't ask questions in that regard.
Experience Medical School: Medical College of Georgia (Augusta, GA class of 1991)
Post Graduate Training: ECU school of Medicine (Greenville, NC)
16 years in Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine.
Licensed in states of GA, NC, SC and VA.
Former Medical Director and Founder of the Saleeby Longevity Institute a clinical practice and research center in integrative (CAM,Allopathic Medicine (1999 to 2004).
Founder of Vita Sanus, Inc. Manufacturer & Distributer of Vita Sanus Nutraceuticals and Skin Care products (www.vitasanus.com) Sold in 2006.
Adjunct Professor in Graduate School of Nursing Georgia Southern University (2002-2006).
Author of "Wonder Herbs: A Guide to Three Adaptogens" available for sale at www.xlibris.com/wonderherbs or signed copies at www.saleeby.net
Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Marlboro Park Hospital, Bennettsville, SC (2006-Present)
Expert: J.P. Saleeby, MD Date: 4/25/2008 Subject: Keeping good bone mass
Question My wife and I square dance. See http://www.squaredrhubarb.com/index.htm for a video. We have been told that "It keeps you healthy - As with all regular exercise square dancing can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol profile. The movements of many square dances can strengthen your weight-bearing bones and can help prevent or slow down loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)."
Since we only walk about, is the comment about bones correct?
Answer Alan,
Dancing or walking about is considered an aerobic type of exercise and while that is great for the cardio-respiratory system, it probably has little or no impact on bone density. For arresting or correcting of osteoporosis or bone density loss, rather intense weight bearing or resistance exercise is required. So swimmers and runners and cyclist and in your case dancers all help the cardio systems. Those that lift weights and stress their muscles and bones in that fashion will halt or reverse bone mineral density loss.
