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Milton Bradley Elementary School 22 Mulberry Street Springfield, MA 413-787-7475 |
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Fitness in Space Does space travel change the bodies of the astronauts?
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being an astronaut can be quite exciting and unique, it can be hazardous
as well. Many things can go wrong with the space craft that may risk the
lives of the people inside. Most of the time, things go well. However, life
in space takes a toll on the human body that is so used to living on planet
Earth. The astronauts face health issues that affect their bones and their
muscles. According to John Uri, a NASA scientist, astronauts face some health risks as they travel through space. He wrote an article “Why do bones weaken in space?”. To read it go to http://www.msnbc.com/news/207110.asp. He explains that on Earth, the pull of gravity puts stress on our bones as we walk, run, play, and exercise. This stress causes our body to build up the bone tissue so that it stays rigid. In space, there is no gravity. Mr. Uri writes that our bones do not experience the needed stress, and no bone tissue is built up. Scientists have discovered that the problem can be helped with exercises performed while the astronauts are traveling in space. They have created special machines that can be easily stored and used on the Space Shuttles. Theses machines look similar to exercise bikes and treadmills used on Earth. (check on appropriate web site) Most of us use our legs to get from one place to another on this planet. Astronauts use their arms to move about the Space Shuttles and the Space Station to perform their work. They use their legs very little. Mr. Uri, the NASA scientist, reports that the legs, hips, and spine are most affected by bone loss experienced in space. Could this be due to the lack of activity? How
can this help us on Earth? What
else happens to the body? Gravity on Earth helps us to exercise our muscles. As we move, gravity pulls on our body and actually makes it more difficult to move! It provides a resistance for our muscles that makes them work and exercise. In space, there is no resistance because there is no gravity. Astronauts experience microgravity. The muscles of astronauts get very little exercise when they perform various tasks so they get weak. When they get back to our planet, there is a risk that the astronauts may be too weak to walk!
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