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Strong Message for the "Weaker" Sex

M. J. Friedrich

JAMA. 2001;285:1429-1431.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

In the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, female characters leap across rooftops, stride up the sides of buildings, and somersault through the air. One woman literally goes out on a limb to engage in bewitching swordplay while balanced precariously above the forest floor. Although their gravity-defying feats are enhanced by technology, the strength, agility, and poise inherent in their movements are inspiring.

Photo credit: Corbis Images

While this level of physical skill is not necessary to carry out the tasks of daily living, strong muscles and bones and a good sense of balance make it possible to glide through the day. But their value is too often appreciated only when strength has ebbed, bones have become brittle, and equilibrium has vanished. Women can remain strong and agile as they age, but to do so they need to get some sort of exercise, an activity that eludes . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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