Diary of a Semi-Health Nut

ramblings + recipes of a semi-healthy nut

{TMT #6} Why Bone Health is Important

by


Hello Friends!

It’s finals week!  I have a couple more guest post that I’m excited to share with you!  One being from Dave (the BF) as long as I can get him to make the deadline …he’s gonna do his very own WIAW!

Okay onto today’s post…

This is a topic that we have been talking about in one of my nutrition classes.  Quite frankly, I got a little depressed when my teacher talked about how she used to be a runner and was very active, but since she didn’t pay attention to her bones, she has osteoporosis.  She walks very slowly with a bit of a limp sometimes and I know she wishes she paid better attention to her bone health when she was younger!

So even though you might think you are young and invincible…you should be taking care of your bones today.

Check out some details in this great guest post on why bone health is important for overall health…and be more prepared for what is to come!

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Why Your Bones Are Important for Your Overall Health
Bones probably aren’t high on the list when it comes to concerns about health.
However the truth is that they play a crucial role in how we feel, particularly as we age.  You may be aware of osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to thin which is particularly prevalent in older women but even beyond this condition, there are many ways that our bones impact our overall health.
Broken bones
Let’s start with the most obvious. When our bones aren’t healthy, they break more easily. And of course, healing from a broken bone is never fun, no matter where it’s located. Even after recovery, many people still experience recurring aches and pains.

Decreased Mobility
Poor bone health can make it harder to do even simple activities like standing, sitting, and walking. You may experience pain in your joints as well as extreme discomfort when sitting or standing in a position for a long period of time.
Muscle Loss
As you get older, it’s just a natural part of the aging process to lose muscle (as well as bone density). But the two issues go hand in hand. If you’re struggling with movement due to poor bone health, your muscles will become weaker faster. And, of course, this problem just feeds on itself. As your bones get weaker so do your bones, and vice versa.
Weight Gain
It’s should come as no surprise that if you’re not moving around, you’ll likely be putting on more weight. That extra fat also puts increasing pressure on your bones since they literally have to bear the extra weight! This can also cause you to feel less balanced, making it more likely for you to fall and injure yourself.
What Can You Do?
In short, not paying attention to the health of your bones can cause a downward spiral as you age. And here’s the scary part: that process starts earlier than you think! We begin losing bone density as early as age 35.
The earlier you take action, the better, although even begin later in life can make an impact.
Get moving! With the busy schedules we all juggle today, it’s easy to go from bed to car to desk to car to couch to bed—with little walking in between. But there are ways to sneak more movement into your schedule. Park in the furthest spot available, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and go for a walk during your lunch break. Then find a way to incorporate an exercise routine into your schedule. Start with small goals—just a half hour twice a week—that way you’ll be less likely to get discouraged and give up. Even a little bit of movement can make a big difference.
Get your calcium. Skim milk is a great source of calcium and vitamin D, both crucial to bone health. But don’t stop there. Any dairy product, like cheese or yogurt, will do, as well as many non-dairy foods, such as salmon, tofu, and cabbage. Also, any products like orange juice are fortified with extra calcium and vitamin D, just check the label.
Do yoga. When developing that exercise schedule, incorporate a weight-bearing activity that also helps with balance. Yoga is just one option. Tai chi, skiing, and dancing are also great activities but remember: even taking a walk with your dog every morning can make a big difference.
Don’t drink or smoke.Many studies show that tobacco and alcohol—even just two drinks a day—can negatively affect your body’s ability to absorb calcium, making you more susceptible to osteoporosis and other bone issues.
Confront eating disorders. Anorexia and bulimia can weaken your skeletal structure and encourage bone loss. If you are struggling with one of these issues, seek out help from a medical professional.
Think twice about stomach or weight-loss surgery. It can also be a contributing factor in the loss of bone density. For some, the benefit of the surgery may outweigh the risk but be sure you talk to your doctor about all of your options.
Visit your doctor.The best way to improve your bone health is to prevent issues before they happen. Regular annual check-ups are important. And if you are experiencing joint pain or discomfort moving around, don’t ignore it—talk to your doctor.   You can also study and learn from bone models to learn more about your bones.
Writer Bio: Steven Madison writes about health and wellness topics and loves to help others try and live a healthy lifestyle. Steven is a father and a loving husband to his wife.

photo sources:
here

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Steven will be sticking around to answer any questions, so ask away! (And pray for me this finals week…eek!)


*~Amanda aka Semi-Health Nut~*

Have you thought about your bone health before?  
Do you do consciously do anything to better your bone health?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Thanks again for the wonderful post Amanda. I’ll be happy to answer any questions anyone has.

  2. Thanks again for the wonderful post Amanda. I’ll be happy to answer any questions anyone has.

  5. I think about it because in my early days I smoked (UGGG) and drank diet soda like water. It was not until my late twenties that I realized a Healthy Life Style. When I turned 40 I had a bone density test. (came back GOOD) But you never know what you did early on that can effect things in dare I say….”Middle Aged Life.” Now I eat yogurt, healthy cheese and drink calcium enriched OJ. I also make sure my Daily has calcium. Life is short, Take Care of Your Bones.

  6. I think about it because in my early days I smoked (UGGG) and drank diet soda like water. It was not until my late twenties that I realized a Healthy Life Style. When I turned 40 I had a bone density test. (came back GOOD) But you never know what you did early on that can effect things in dare I say….”Middle Aged Life.” Now I eat yogurt, healthy cheese and drink calcium enriched OJ. I also make sure my Daily has calcium. Life is short, Take Care of Your Bones.

  7. Very good point Dena. Most of us neglect our bone health when we are younger and don’t ever really think about it til it becomes an issue. I’m hoping posts like this help create awareness.

  8. Very good point Dena. Most of us neglect our bone health when we are younger and don’t ever really think about it til it becomes an issue. I’m hoping posts like this help create awareness.