LOVE YOUR BONES
World Osteoporosis Day is on October 20, so brush up on some facts you may not know
We often associate bones with the dusty skeletons we see in museums. But the bones in our bodies are living organs that are constantly being rebuilt. They also have their own blood vessels and cells, including osteoclasts, which break down bone and absorb it into your bloodstream, and osteoblasts, which build new bone. In fact, bones do a lot more than we think, so here’s more reasons to show them some love …
STRONG SUIT
Our bones need to withstand some pretty heavy-duty use, and gram for gram are stronger than steel! They’re primarily made out of collagen, which provides their framework, and calcium phosphate, which keeps them hard and strong. Our bones need a range of nutrients to stay healthy, including calcium, magnesium, protein and vitamin D, so it’s important to eat a varied diet from all the food groups.
HORMONES PLAY A ROLE
Did you know that oestrogen in women (and testosterone in men) helps to keep bones strong? That’s because it helps to regulate the rate our bones break down and rebuild. After menopause, this balance takes a negative shift, which can raise our risk of developing osteoporosis. “Adults should see their doctor for a comprehensive assessment of risk factors for bone disease,” says endocrinologist Dr Julia Shrosbree.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
The good news is that osteoporosis can be treated, so early detection is vital. “In Australia, we are fortunate to have a range of several effective medications available to treat osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures in patients by 25-70 per cent,” Dr Shrosbree says.
BONES NEED PROTECTING
Many of us have broken a bone from falling off a bike or monkey bars as kids. As an adult, the breaks we experience from low bone density can often have more serious consequences. “Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, but the most common sites of fracture are the hip, spine and wrist,” says Professor Peter Ebeling from Monash University. “Fractures can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of function and reduced quality of life.”
FASCINATING FACTS
We have around 300 bones in our body when we’re born, but by adulthood these have fused to 206. Our largest bone is the femur (thighbone) while the smallest is the stapes, which is around 3mm by 2.5mm and sits inside the ear.