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Bones play a key role in our physical health. They provide structure, support, and protection for all of our organ systems. Developing healthy bones in childhood is essential, but actively working to keep them strong doesn’t have to end as you age. With exercise, diet, and excellent orthopedic care, you can ensure your bones continue to provide support for years to come.

What Seniors Should Know About Maintaining Bone Health

The Importance of Bone Health

Throughout your life, your bones will constantly regenerate. Your skeleton will have completely regenerated five times by age 60 as bone cells die and are replaced with new, healthy cells. When you’re younger, this cell regrowth happens more rapidly than in your later years. By your late 20s, your bone mass will have peaked. Even though reproduction will continue, it gradually slows, and you’ll likely lose more bone mass than you gain.

The likelihood of developing conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, or joint pain depends heavily on how well you maintain overall orthopedic health. That means saving as much bone mass as possible and adopting practices that protect and strengthen your skeletal tissue.

How to Improve Bone Health

orthopedicThe most important areas to focus on to improve and maintain bone health are diet and exercise. Calcium is essential for bone growth and can be found in soy, broccoli, kale, bony fish like salmon and sardines, and dairy products like milk and cheese. Help your body absorb calcium by increasing your daily vitamin D consumption. Large amounts of vitamin D can be found in salmon, tuna, oysters, tofu, almond milk, and eggs.

Just like your muscles, bones remain strong with frequent use. The best way to do this is with exercises that focus on movement. Walking, hiking, dancing, jogging, climbing stairs, and playing sports like tennis are ideal for keeping bones sturdy.

It’s also important to refrain from certain substances and behaviors, including alcohol and tobacco. The abuse of both of these substances has been found to significantly lower bone density, weakening your skeleton and leaving you vulnerable to osteoporosis, joint pain, and reduced mobility. Avoid tobacco altogether and limit your daily alcohol intake to one drink a day for women and two for men.

 

For reliable orthopedic treatment and advice on bone health, trust the doctors at Independence Healthcare, PC. This Soldotna, AK-based practice, provides a range of efficient and friendly services, including hand surgery, joint injections, radiology, and arthritis treatment. Call (907) 262-6454 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to learn more about how they can help.

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