The University of Minnesota's Suzanne Hecht recently highlighted the understated, yet vital significance of bone health, especially with the ticking clock of age. According to a feature published by University of Minnesota, Hecht, an associate professor and director of the U of M Sports Medicine Fellowship, delivered insights on why paying attention to your bones is more than just a passing thought.
As Hecht outlined, while your bones support and enable your body in ways ranging from movement to protecting organs, they also undergo a constant make-and-break process. With age, says Hecht, the production of new bone declines, "Poor bone health increases the risk of fractures and loss of function among other issues, particularly as we age." Common underminers of bone health include, but are not limited to, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and excessive alcohol use. On a more startling note, 60-70% of children and adults have been reported to sport a calcium deficiency.
Drilling down on factors influencing bone health over the long term, Hecht shared that genetics and chronic diseases play predominant roles. Genetic factors can map out up to 90% of one’s peak bone mass, essentially the bone density zenith typically reached between ages 25-30. "Around the age of 30, the bone begins to break down more than it builds up," Hecht told the University of Minnesota, indicating a crucial turn in maintaining bone integrity. Chronic illnesses and resulting medications also wield influence, often weakening bones indirectly through decreased mobility.
To combat the decline in bone health, Hecht suggests a regimen of exercise and nutrition at any age. Special emphasis is placed on weight-bearing exercises and ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. "Exercise stimulates increased bone formation, particularly weight-bearing exercises," she stated. Hecht also highlighted the importance of personal history and risk factors such as family history of osteoporosis when considering early screenings for bone density.
The University of Minnesota is leaning into the battle against bone health deterioration by investing in education and patient care through the work of professionals like Hecht. She not only evaluates and treats patients with bone health concerns but also contributes to optimizing bone health before major surgeries to improve outcomes. Given her vested interest in young athletes' bone health, Hecht has been tackling issues like stress fractures and inadequate nutrition head-on.
While talking bones might not earn buzz at the next cocktail party, the University of Minnesota and Hecht’s work underscore the critical nature of this lesser-sung facet of health. After all, having a strong structural foundation is not just a perk—it's increasingly recognized as a crux of overall well-being as one grows older, making it a subject worthy of our collective attention.
