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