| How many of us give even a second thought to | | | | begins to slowly or rapidly exceed the rate |
| the mechanisms involved every time we walk, | | | | of bone formation. When bone loss occurs too |
| bend, stretch or turn? Doing any kind of | | | | rapidly and far exceeds the rate of new bone |
| physical activity comes so naturally to most | | | | formation and replacement, the bones become |
| of us that we tend to take our | | | | increasingly fragile and prone to breakage, |
| musculoskeletal system completely for | | | | leading to Osteoporosis, which is the most |
| granted. The musculoskeletal system, which | | | | common of all bone diseases. |
| includes the joints and bones along with the | | | | |
| surrounding soft tissues, is what keep us | | | | Taking good care of your bones and joints |
| supple, agile and moving. The problem with | | | | |
| taking it for granted and not giving it the | | | | Giving your bones and joints the nourishment |
| care and attention it deserves is that the | | | | they need in early days is vital for setting |
| bones, joints and tissue degenerate slowly | | | | the stage for healthy bones and joints later |
| over time and we become aware of the | | | | on in life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle |
| deterioration only when it is much too late. | | | | is vital for improving your bone density and |
| | | | slowing down the rate of bone loss. |
| Going by current statistics, it is estimated | | | | |
| that by 2050 almost 50% of Americans over the | | | | Maintain a healthy diet, which includes an |
| age of 50 are likely to suffer from problems | | | | increased take of calcium; a major component |
| associated with the bones and joints; unless | | | | of the bone. Dairy products; green, leafy |
| precautionary measures are taken. In fact, | | | | vegetables; nuts and legumes are good sources |
| musculoskeletal deterioration is the most | | | | of dietary calcium. Supplement your diet with |
| common cause of severe physical disability | | | | Vitamin D, magnesium, trace minerals and |
| and long-term pain right across the world. | | | | phosphorous; all of which are essential for |
| The global ramifications are so persistent | | | | complete bone nourishment. |
| and all-encompassing, that 2002 through to | | | | |
| 2011 has been declared 'the bone and joint | | | | Exercise regularly. It strengthens the |
| decade'. | | | | muscles and improves mobility and flexibility |
| | | | of the joints. Weight bearing exercises, |
| Contrary to popular misconception, bones are | | | | including biking, walking, weight lifting and |
| actually living, growing tissues and not just | | | | aerobics help build muscle and strengthen the |
| some dry, brittle material that belong to a | | | | bones. |
| skeleton. They require continuous care and | | | | |
| nourishment to keep them in optimum working | | | | If you are overweight, take steps to lose |
| condition. Right through our lives, our bones | | | | that excess weight. When you are overweight, |
| undergo a constant remodeling process, in | | | | there is excessive pressure on your |
| which new bone tissue replaces the old tissue | | | | weight-bearing joints, which include the |
| that is broken down or lost. The rate at | | | | knees, hips and back. |
| which this happens depends on your age. From | | | | |
| birth till your twenties, the rate of new | | | | Quit smoking completely and reduce your |
| bone formation exceeds the rate of bone loss. | | | | consumption of caffeine and alcohol. All |
| Bones are at their largest and most dense by | | | | three work to lower the levels of calcium in |
| age 30, after which the rate of bone loss | | | | the body and impede bone formation. |