Are you starting to feel some soreness when you wake up in the morning or do you feel a bit less flexible than you used to? How about some achy feeling when it’s cold? If your answer is ‘yes’, then maybe it’s time to give extra love and attention to your bones and joints now.

Experts say that joint pains come with age and are more likely to begin in your 40s. But family history, previous injury or trauma, physical activity or environmental conditions may also cause bone and joint diseases.

Our bones have many vital functions. They store calcium and release a hormone that controls blood sugar. The skull protects the brain while the bone marrow produces blood cells. Any joint inflammation or bone disease may disrupt our body and affect our day-to-day activities.

There are many things you can do to protect your aging bones and joints.

Keep moving. Stretching and exercising everyday can help prevent pain and further damage as you age.

Eat well. Vegetables, cherries, citrus fruits and fatty fish can keep your joints healthy.  Choose Calcium-rich foods and make sure to get enough Vitamin D. 

Lose weight. Being overweight puts a lot of pressure on your knees and it is one of the main reasons for joint pains. In order to shed off those extra pounds, consider swimming or walking and watching your diet.

Get enough sleep. Before you go to bed, make sure that you are comfortable with the room temperature. Use pillows that don’t hurt your neck and decide on your most comfortable sleeping position. Having a good sleep can help your body fight back against pain.

Check your lifestyle habits. Quit smoking, don’t wear unsupportive shoes, avoid lifting too heavy weights. 

Dr. Poblete also warns that if osteoarthritis progresses, surgery can be done to replace the joints and the procedure will take 2-3 hours and can cost around half a million pesos per knee.

As we celebrate Bone and Joint Awareness Week in the Philippines, let’s highlight one of the most widespread and pressing health concerns of our times – musculoskeletal health. Maintaining good musculoskeletal health can help us live better.

The human body becomes vulnerable to all kinds of diseases as it ages. That’s why it’s essential to understand the importance of having a good health  plan and how it can help protect you financially.