How does pediatric bone development influence osteoporosis later in life?
The role of pediatric bone development in osteoporosis prevention is considerable.
The tween and teen years are critical for bone development because most bone mass accumulates during this time.
- In the years of peak skeletal growth, teenagers accumulate more than 25 percent of adult bone.
- By the time teens finish their growth spurts around age 17, 90 percent of their adult bone mass is established.
Following the teen years, bones continue to increase in density until a person is about age 30.
Calcium is critical to building bone mass to support physical activity throughout life and to reduce the risk of bone fractures, especially those due to osteoporosis.
The onset of osteoporosis later in life is influenced by two important factors:
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Peak bone mass attained in the first two to three decades of life
- The rate at which bone is lost in the later years
Although the effects of low calcium consumption may not be visible in childhood, lack of adequate calcium intake puts young people at increased risk for osteoporosis later in life.
What is the role of physical activity in bone development?
Weight-bearing physical activity helps to determine the strength, shape, and mass of bone.
Activities such as running, dancing, and climbing stairs, as well as those that increase strength, such as weight lifting, can help bone development. For children and teenagers, some of the best weight-bearing activities include team sports, such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, and softball.
Studies show that absence of physical activity results in a loss of bone mass, especially during long periods of immobilization or inactivity.
How to Increase Physical Activity for Better Bone Health ?
Bones are living tissue. Weight-bearing physical activity causes new bone tissue to form, which makes bones stronger. This kind of physical activity also makes muscles stronger. When muscles push and tug against bones during physical activity, bones and muscles become stronger.
Weight-bearing activities are those that keep you active and on your feet so that your legs carry your body weight, including:
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Walking
- Running
- Dancing
- Climbing stairs
- Jumping rope
- Playing team sports, such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball
Older teenagers can build even more bone strength through weight training, but they should check with a health care provider before starting any type of training.
Some activities, such as swimming, do not provide weight-bearing benefits. But these activities are still good for cardiovascular fitness and overall good health.
How much physical activity do tweens and teens need?
Children and adolescents should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week.
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