Are you wondering why you are losing strength as you are growing older? Once we reach the age of 30, our bones stop growing and making new cells, and we are left to live the rest of our lives with the current condition of our bones. The musculoskeletal system of our body provides us with several important features. Firstly, the bones provide our bodies with the internal structure that helps us stand straight, walk upright and even lay down. Secondly, the bones give us the axial balance that allows us to move forward, backward, and even turn around. Thirdly, the muscles of our body are the sources of strength that we immediately use for any activity, from the simplest movement such as writing a letter to difficult activities such as weightlifting. It is therefore important that we understand how bones and muscles work and that we maintain good health and not abuse or misuse these parts of our body.
Has it ever come to your mind that whenever you find difficulty performing an activity these days, you would remember those earlier days when this same activity was easier to do? Take the example of jogging. If you are experiencing shortness of breath now, you will quickly recall that you used to do the same length of running ten years ago, and you never felt any difficulty jogging then. Or maybe going up a flight of stairs, and you end up catching your breath on the last few steps of that trip. Our usual response is, “I’m getting old.” It’s true, each one of us is growing old, and there’s no exception to that. And as we grow older, the parts of our bodies grow old, too. The bones and muscles of our body need enough movement each day in order to maintain their pliability and strength. Physical exercise is another important aspect of our daily lives that may help enhance the potential of our bones and muscles.
Let’s drink milk every day! There is this saying that milk is only for kids. This is so untrue. Milk contains calcium, which is the main component of bones. The Food and Drug Administration has indicated that children should consume around 2 glasses of milk every day, while for adults, 3 glasses of milk would be enough to maintain their bones. Therefore, the best scenario for healthy bones and muscles is to start early in life. Drinking milk starting at an early age and continuing on until the elderly years is very good.
There is also this old saying that goes, “Everything in life is free.” Yes, indeed! And one of the most important things is sunlight. Exposure to sunlight enhances our bodies to produce vitamin D, which helps in maintaining strong bones and muscles. Getting some sun can’t get any better than that! You can also save your money by getting your daily free doses of vitamin D by going out and getting some sun on yourself for a short period of time.
So no matter how old you are, it is important that you keep your bones and muscles strong. Walk for life. If you want to live longer, keep on moving. A stroll at the park, a little gardening here and there, visit a friend living close by—these examples of simple activities can be very helpful in maintaining your bones and muscles. You also get to go around and have fun too while helping yourself in maintaining strong bones and muscles. Keeping your bones and muscles healthy will also decrease the chances of suffering from bone fractures, as well as slips and falls. So what do you think? Let’s go get our dose of milk and calcium today.