We all know that a healthy lifestyle takes consistent work on a daily basis to achieve. While you might appreciate the benefits of your labor now, you certainly will as you get older!

The same goes for if you eat a poor diet and fail to exercise now and throughout your life. You will be negatively impacted by these choices in your older age.

One part of your body that needs to be incorporated in your healthy lifestyle is your bones. Our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team explains the importance of supporting your bone health below, so read on to learn more.

What Do Strong Bones Do for Me?

Every part of your body is connected and needs to work in tandem to help you function every day. Even if you don’t think about them often, your bones are a vital part of this system. They support your structure, protect your organs and help facilitate movement through your muscles and joints.

As you age, your bones start to lose important bone mass. In fact, by the time you reach age 30, you have reached your peak bone mass! If you are a college student at UT, you should appreciate your bones right now and take care of them, as 30 is not so far away. If you don’t adjust your lifestyle through diet and exercise, your bones can become weak and more vulnerable to fractures and breaks.

Calcium-Rich Foods to Eat More Often

• Milk, cheese or dairy products
• Green, leafy vegetables
• Salmon or sardines
• Nuts

Why Is Exercise Important for Bones?

In addition to eating more calcium-rich foods and those containing vitamin D, you should be exercising regularly. Not only is it good for your bones, it is just a good habit to focus on in life! You should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.

Exercise puts pressure on your bones through gravity and the weight-bearing exercises that you do. This pressure helps encourage your bones to remodel and become stronger to withstand the pressures. This gentle process can actually make your bones denser over time. Remember, too much pressure or overexertion can lead to stress fractures and other injuries. Just stay moving and eat a calcium-rich diet, and you will be supporting your bones every day!

4 Signs of Weakening Bones

• Back pain
• Loss of height over time
• Frequent breaks or fractures
• Stooped posture

We can diagnose and treat broken bones! Stop by AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway today.