Importance of Bone Health and Maintenance

Bone health is vital for overall structural support, protection of organs, and blood cell production in the body.

Bone Health FAQ

Why are bones important?

Bones give our bodies support, allowing us to use our muscles to walk, ride a bike, and hold a child. They protect our organs and store and release our supply of calcium. Calcium is a mineral necessary not only for building and maintaining strong bones, but also for the function of all the cells in our bodies.

Why is bone health important in adolescence?

Bones play many roles in the body — providing structure, protecting organs, anchoring muscles and storing calcium. While it's important to build strong and healthy bones during childhood and adolescence, you can take steps during adulthood to protect bone health, too. Why is bone health important?

What is the role of bones and skeleton in the body?

Bones and the skeleton play many important roles in the body, including: Bone cells can respond rapidly to their environment. Increased stress, such as weightbearing exercises, can strengthen the structure of individual bones to resist fracture. Lack of stress, such as bed rest or weightlessness in space, can rapidly weaken bone.

What factors affect bone health?

A number of factors can affect bone health. For example: The amount of calcium in your diet. A diet low in calcium contributes to diminished bone density, early bone loss and an increased risk of fractures. Physical activity. People who are physically inactive have a higher risk of osteoporosis than do their more-active counterparts.

How do you protect your bone health?

Protecting your bone health is easier than you think. Understand how diet, physical activity and other lifestyle factors can affect your bone mass. Bones play many roles in the body — providing structure, protecting organs, anchoring muscles and storing calcium.