PAULA RACKOFF, MD: Yes, they can to a small percentage increase bone density. What they do even more than that, actually, is increase an individual's balance and agility, and what we really worry about with osteoporosis is fracture. In terms of hip bone density, it doesn't really matter how bad your bone density is in your hip as long as you don't fall and break your hip.
DAVID R. MARKS, MD: Now, there are a lot of exercises that people do that they think may be helpful, but they may be actually harmful because they may put them at risk for fractures and other problems.
PAULA RACKOFF, MD: Right.
DAVID R. MARKS, MD: Go through some of the typical exercises that you recommend for patients.
PAULA RACKOFF, MD: I recommend power walking.
DAVID R. MARKS, MD: What does that mean?
PAULA RACKOFF, MD: That means walking where you're increasing your heart rate enough so that you're perspiring. When someone's able to do that relatively easily, I'll actually ask them to put light weights on their wrists, around their lower spine, on their ankles. If someone's young and active, I would recommend that they start jogging -- not on a daily basis, but what we call "cross training" -- doing different exercises. And I would recommend light weightlifting with free weights. Then for my older patients I recommend balance training.
DAVID R. MARKS, MD: What does that mean?
PAULA RACKOFF, MD: There are certain exercises that a physical therapist can show an individual to increase your balance.
DAVID R. MARKS, MD: Can you give some examples?
PAULA RACKOFF, MD: There are deep knee bends. There's walking heel to toe, which some people have a difficult time doing.
DAVID R. MARKS, MD: Are these what we call resistance exercises?
