Studies have revealed that bone and joint health begins in childhood and can be aided by good nutrition and exercise. There are also some other factors that can affect growing and maintaining good bone health as we age, like cigarette smoking and alcohol.

Calcium, vitamin D supplementation, drinking plenty of water and exercise are the cornerstone of having a healthy bone and joint system. Each generation of people brings its own set of recommendations.

Young adults should reduce their intake of fast foods, lower their alcohol consumption, eat calcium enriched food and drink water instead of soda drinks.

Middle age is a critical period for bone and joint health. Post-menopausal women should increase their calcium intake, but not their calorific intake.

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise is also critical in our middle years. Switching out routines helps maintain healthy hip and knee joints. For example, someone who is a runner should change up their routine to incorporate working out at the gym as well.

It is even more important to maintain bone health and muscle mass as we age beyond our middle years. Core strengthening exercises like yoga and tai chi can help with balance and reduce the risk of falling.

Living a longer life is hardly fun if we are suffering with joint pain as we age. Taking quality, high-grade supplements that have a high absorption factor, reducing inflammation, with a healthy diet and exercise can help keep us healthy from a young adult, into our senior years and beyond.

Anne McKechnie is Exeutive Director of Global Wealth and Wellness Group. Improving physical, environmental, financial and personal health are priorities for almost everyone. Global Wealth and Wellness Group provides opportunities that help people balance these four aspects and thus improve a person’s overall quality of life. For a free consultation, call 520-990-5268.