Why We Need Healthy Bones
Your
bones are responsible for providing structure to your body, protecting your vital organs, and acting
as attachment sites for muscles that allow your body to move and perform
everyday tasks. Bones are also responsible for
storing minerals, releasing them back into the body when they are needed elsewhere.
For various reasons, bones can become weakened and brittle, which can lead
to broken bones as well as more serious, long-term health complications.
The following factors can influence the health of your bones:
Exercise
People who live a sedentary lifestyle are at a higher risk of developing
osteoporosis. Similarly to muscles, bones require physical activity to
maintain strength, density, and resilience.
Diet
It is important to maintain a diet that consists of foods rich in calcium
and vitamin D as they support healthy and strong bones. A diet that is
low in calcium and vitamin D can put you at a higher risk of developing
osteoporosis.
Tobacco and Alcohol Use
Tobacco use can
reduce bone mass and increase your chances of experiencing
fractures and breaks. Excessive
alcohol consumption can also have a similar effect on bone density.
Gender
Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. This is because
women have smaller bones and
lose bone density more rapidly than men due to hormone changes that occur during menopause.
Age
As you age, your bones gradually become thinner and weaker; your body may begin to
absorb calcium and phosphates from your bones rather than storing them there.
Hormonal changes with age, such as drops in estrogen and testosterone levels, also have the potential
to cause bone loss.
Family History
Having a family member who has broken a bone or has osteoporosis may also
increase your risk. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if one of your parents has experienced a broken bone, you may need to
be screened earlier on for osteoporosis.
Orthopedic Care in Gillette, Wyoming
If an injury does occur or you have concerns when it comes to your bone health,
Powder River Orthopedics & Spine (PROS) is here to help in Gillette, Wyoming. We can evaluate your options
so you can rest assured that you get the best possible outcome and are
back to a happy and active life in no time.
Call the PROS at 307.686.1413 or visit
www.cchwyo.org/PROS to learn more.