What Affects Bone Health?

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, Wyoming Orthopedics & Spine (WYOS) 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 WYOS at 307.686.1413 or visit www.wyomingorthospine.com to learn more.