| The skeleton is what holds the body up. | | | | a dairy equivalent for the lactose |
| Our bones are vitally important to the | | | | intolerant and the vegan, are good ways |
| proper and useful functioning of our | | | | to get necessary nutrients. Teaching |
| bodies. When our bones are harmed, | | | | children to enjoy drinking things like |
| things get dicey. Especially as we age, | | | | milk, water, and natural fruit juice |
| it is important to keep our bones | | | | will help them develop healthier habits |
| healthy in order to avoid osteoporosis, | | | | and make healthier choices. If you have |
| or "brittle bones." When the bones are | | | | children, and you show them by example |
| brittle, then they are more prone to | | | | the importance of eating and drinking |
| breaking. In the older population, this | | | | healthier, they will see that it is |
| means that a fall can seriously damage a | | | | something worthwhile. And you will be |
| bone. Hip fractures and other such | | | | all the healthier for it as well! |
| breakages are common from falls that | | | | But developing strong, healthy bones, |
| just a few years ago would have hardly | | | | and then keeping them that way as you |
| raised a bruise. But in order for one to | | | | get older, is not just about what you |
| have healthy bones as one ages, it is | | | | eat. Exercise is an important part of |
| important to lay a solid foundation | | | | the healthy bones equation. It does not |
| while young. | | | | have to be all out high impact exercises |
| In order teach kids the importance of | | | | everyday, but it should be something |
| taking good care of themselves, a good | | | | that gets you moving and active. Using |
| example must be set, and they should be | | | | your body will keep it in use, and help |
| encouraged to enjoy the foods and | | | | the bones maintain their ability to hold |
| activities that will help them keep | | | | your body. If you go outside for your |
| their bones strong. Starting out with | | | | exercise, you can receive added |
| good habits at a young age makes it | | | | benefits. Not only is the fresh air |
| easier to continue the good habits at an | | | | invigorating, but also the exposure to |
| older age. And starting out young will | | | | the sun can help you create Vitamin D. |
| ensure that one has a healthy foundation | | | | Even when you are wearing sunscreen. 15 |
| to build upon. This is especially | | | | minutes a day in the sun is enough for |
| important when it comes to building | | | | you to get the Vitamin D you need to |
| healthy bones. | | | | help your bones better absorb the |
| One of the things that is most | | | | nutrients that keep them strong. |
| detrimental to healthy bones is soda. | | | | While keeping your bones healthy can |
| If, instead of drinking healthier | | | | begin at any age and do some good, it is |
| things, one drinks soda, then that | | | | best to start living healthy at a |
| lowers the amount of nutrients one is | | | | younger age. Then you will have the |
| taking in. Sugary sports drinks are not | | | | strength in your bones to enjoy life as |
| much better. Three servings of dairy, or | | | | you progress through it. |