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Thursday, October 25, 2007

Calcium and the Cyclist

As a result of an email exchange connected to a discussion in Bike Forums, I had occasion to email Dr Pam Hinton, an Associate Professor at Missouri University concerning Bone Density and Cyclists. It seems there are calcium issues involved with non load bearing exercise, like Cycling, or Swimming.

Cross training is the best remedy for this, along with supplementation with Calciul. Calcium Citrate, by the way, is the most easily metabolizable form of Calcium for the body and intake needs to be around 1000-1500 mg a day.

The following is the press release on Dr Hintons study:

From: MU NEWS BUREAU

Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 12:02 PM

Subject: Study Shows Some Athletic Men May Risk Low Bone Density

http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2007/1015-hinton-osteopenia.php

Oct. 15, 2007 Contact: Pamela Hinton

Associate Professor

(573) 882-4137

HintonP@missouri.edu

Study Shows Some Athletic Men May Risk Low Bone Density

COLUMBIA, Mo. — According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects more than 2 million men in the United States and nearly 12 million more have osteopenia—clinically significant low bone density that is less severe than osteoporosis. Now, a new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia has found that men engaging predominantly in low-impact forms of exercise have an increased incidence of osteopenia—a condition resulting in two times the risk of bone fracture.

"Unfortunately, some individuals who believe they are doing everything right in terms of their health might be surprised and upset by our finding," said Pamela Hinton, an associate professor of nutritional sciences in MU's College of Human Environmental Sciences, who co-authored the study. "We believe, however, that these results will ultimately serve as education and motivation for these people."

Hinton said the effects of osteopenia can be mitigated by integration of weight-bearing activities into the lifestyle of active individuals. Studies in pre- and post-menopausal women suggest that bone mineral density will increase 2 percent to 3 percent after six months of resistance training three times per week. Small changes in bone density translate into much larger changes in bone strength—a 1 percent increase in bone density reduces the risk of fracture by up to 5 percent.

"Regular, non-weight-bearing activities, such as swimming and cycling are effective measures for preventing the leading risk factors for death and disability in our society,” Hinton said. “But the results of this study suggest that regular weight-bearing activities, such as running, jogging, or rope jumping, are important for the maintenance of healthy bones."

The researchers measured bone mineral density in 43 competitive male cyclists and runners ages 20 to 59. Findings of the study included:

n The cyclists had significantly lower bone mineral density of the whole body, especially of the lumbar spine, compared to runners.

n 63 percent of the cyclists had osteopenia of the spine or hip compared with 19 percent of the runners.

n Cyclists were seven-times more likely to have osteopenia of the spine than the runners.

Background facts:

n The risk of fracture is increased approximately two-fold in osteopenic individuals and five-fold in people with osteopenia.

n Low bone density in males often remains undiagnosed and inadequately treated and, after suffering a fracture, men are less likely to receive follow-up care than women.

n Risk factors for osteoporosis in men are similar to those identified in women: family history, age, low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, inadequate calcium or vitamin D intake, low reproductive hormone levels, physical inactivity, and disease or medication affecting bone metabolism.

The study, "Participation in road cycling versus running is associated with lower bone mineral density in men," will be published in Metabolism, and is authored by MU researchers R.S. Rector, R. Rogers, M. Ruebel and P.S. Hinton, in the Department of Nutritional Sciences.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Ride Report: Specialized Allez

Where'swaldo will recognize the Jersey

I took "Black Beauty" out for a romp today, the weather was so beautiful! Nice little 30 mile ride, and got so into the ride that I forgot to get the camera out at all! I did stop by my school though and drafted a cameraman to get this shot for me, to show off the bike and the jersey a bit


photo by Jason Lundt

Now that I have a few more miles under me, I can give a real ride report! All I can say is WOW! Where have brifters been all my life? This bike is smooth, handles crisply and responsively, and Mr Beanz, thanks for the good words on the Deep V's! I can't believe the difference 20 years of technology advance has made! Total time on the ride was 1:37 and felt like I was sandbagging.

Here is my route, below!
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united...ette/877956008

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Lafayette's Diabetes Walk, 2007, or how I spent Saturday Morning!

Crazylady and I volunteered for the American Diabetes Association Diabetes walk today, at Subaru Isuzu in Lafayette. It was a great event. We had a blast and plan on dong the event again next year. We couldn't do any fundraising this time, school has me pretty loaded up on my time.

Here's a little bit of video from the event though



Other news

I have a new ride to break in. I acquired a Specialized Allez to ride. this bike is a road rocket! Looks pretty wicked too! It's a lot lighter than my old Schwinn, that's for sure!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

I'm sure looking forward to riding Tour de Cure on it next season!

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