Human beings are truly miraculous creatures. To be human is a gift, one in which we don”t want to take for granted.
Did you know that with every step that you take approximately three times your body weight is supported by your foot? A human being can take 10,000 steps in one day. That means if you weigh 100 pounds your foot supports 300 pounds with every step and if you take 10,000 steps in one day, which equals to 3 million pounds of force on that one foot in just one day.
Now consider this, if you weigh 200 pounds the amount of force to your foot in one day is 6 million pounds. How can the body put up with all of this incredible pressure? The answer lies in the wondrous skeleton.
The human skeleton is a powerful structure composed of bones, joints, cartilage and ligaments. There are 206 bones in the skeleton that are designed not only to protect internal organs, but also to manufacture blood cells and store mineral salts, such as calcium and phosphorus, which the body needs to maintain bone structure and muscle function.
Bone is composed of layers. The outer layer is compact and protective. The inner layer is more like the sponge absorbing the necessary nutrients for bone health. In the center, is the gel like bone marrow. Bone marrow is a blood cell factory. Bone marrow can churn out 100 billion new blood cells in one single day.
The skeleton”s function is to protect. This can be seen when one considers the 12 pairs of ribs that curve around the chest cavity and shelter the heart, lungs and organs of the upper abdomen. The bones of the spine have a center opening to protect the spinal cord. The pelvic bones protect the lower abdominal organs such as the bladder and uterus. And of course the skull safeguards the brain.
When a bone is injured it heals itself by way of the blood. The blood is the key ingredient for bone repair by the process of creeping. Two broken bone ends will mend only when the blood is allowed to slowly creep across the gap. This is why you will see people wearing casts on their arms or legs after injury. Immobilization of the bone fragments allows the blood vessels to creep faster.
By the age of 30, there is an overall reduction in bone mass which can be progressive. Bone is not replenished as fast as it is depleted after this stage. Therefore, it is recommended for you to take action to prevent this process. There are several ways to keep the body”s skeleton strong.
Calcium in the diet is very important for the strength you”re skeleton. Dairy products, almonds, and green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of calcium. Getting calcium from food directly is better than supplementation. Vitamin D is another essential component to bone health. Vitamin D is found in milk, eggs, oily fish and a little sunlight.
Excessive alcohol and tobacco both reduce bone mineralization. Therefore it is wise to avoid overindulgence. Last but not least is to exercise for a healthy human skeleton.
Matthew McQuaid, DPM is a board certified foot surgeon practicing in Lakeport. He is an award winning author who has a particular interest in Mind/Body medicine and its positive impact on health. For more information or for an appointment please call 263-3727.
