Why healthy bones should be your priority

More than half the population in the United States over the age of 18 become affected by musculoskeletal conditions. Some conditions include arthritis, aches and pain from traumatic injuries, osteoporosis, and spinal deformity.

Your bones are so important to your body and taking the steps to increase bone health daily should be a priority. Bones are vital to us as they help protect our organs, as well as provide structure, muscle stature and storing calcium.

There are a number of factors that affect your bone health. A few of them are:

• Calcium - The amount of calcium intake contributes to your bone density. A diet low in calcium can increase early bone deficiencies including bone loss as well as an increased risk of fractures.
• Tobacco and alcohol - The use of these two products contributes to weak bones and for men it may increase the risk of osteoporosis. Research has shown that chronic alcohol consumption contributes to slow bone healing and decreased bone formation.
• Physical activity - People who are physically inactive have a higher risk of osteoporosis due to lack of building up strength through movement.
• Hormones - An increased or abnormal amount of thyroid hormone can result in bone loss and deficiencies. Women who have menopause can experience bone loss increases due their estrogen levels decreasing significantly. This can lead to a higher risk of osteoporosis. For men, loss of bone mass occues from low testosterone levels.
• Health issues and disorders - Certain health conditions such as celiac disease can affect the way your body absorbs calcium. If you have an eating disorder, such as anorexia you are at greater risk for getting osteoporosis. Anorexia and bulimia can lead to this due to severely restricting food intake which then leads to lack of nutrient absorption in combination with being underweight is what causes the bones to weaken.
• Medication - Corticosteroid medications such as cortisone, prednisolone, prednisone and dexamethasone, can be damaging to bone if used long-term. Other drugs that might increase the risk of osteoporosis include selective antidepressants like methotrexate and a few anti-seizure medications, such as phenytoin and phenobarbital.

There are also many easy ways to promote healthier bones. Here is a list of few things that can help:

• Vitamins - Make sure to include enough Vitamin C & D in your diet. For adults ages 19 to 50 and men ages 51 to 70, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 1,000mg of calcium per day. You can obtain Vitamin C through supplements or through certain enriched foods such as dairy products, almonds, kale, sardines and even tofu. Vitamin D is required in the body to assist with absorbing calcium. For adults ages 19 to 70, the RDA of vitamin D is 600 international units (IUs) a day. The recommendation increases to 800 IUs a day for adults age 71 and older. A great source for Vitamin D beef liver, cheese, egg yolks and fatty fish such as salmon and tuna. You could also take supplements to obtain your daily Vitamin D intake.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol - limit or avoid your tobacco and alcohol consumption and intake as mentioned above, the crucial affects it has to your bones.
• Get active - Routine physical activity is important for building strong bones and muscles, especially in children. Your bones and muscles strengthen from being physically active as they work together to support your bodies everyday movement.

Medications

This is a list of a few prescription medications that help with musculoskeletal conditions that your doctor my prescribe:

• Fosamax (Alendronate)
• Boniva (Ibandronate)
• Actonel (Risedronate)
• Naproxen (Naprosyn)

Talk to your doctor

Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns about your bone health or your risk of having or developing osteoporosis, including any bone fracture(s). By evaluating your concerns, symptoms and your risk factors, your doctor may recommend medications to help slow down the bone loss.

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