Home › News › Visit our online Resource Hub Visit our online Resource Hub Published February 2, 2021 New Healthy Bones Australia website and new resources Welcome to a journey of understanding and caring for your bones. The human skeletal system, a complex structure of 206 bones, serves as the body’s framework, providing support, shape, and protection to our soft organs. It also plays a crucial role in movement and mineral storage. However, our bones are exposed to various health conditions, including osteoporosis, a disease characterised by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. This post highlights the importance of bone health and provides resources to help you maintain strong and healthy bones. Healthy Bones Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation and the leading consumer body to reduce broken bones and improve bone health across Australia, presenting the Resource Hub with a range of fact sheets on medical risk factors for poor bone health and osteoporosis. These fact sheets cover various topics, including the role of calcium, vitamin D, and exercise in bone health, as well as treatments for osteoporosis. Visit Resouce Hub What can you find in the resource hub? Popular Factsheets – Calcium, Vitamin D, Exercise, Treatment Calcium is a vital mineral for bone health. A small amount of calcium is absorbed into the blood and used for the healthy functioning of the heart, muscles, blood, and nerves. If your diet lacks sufficient calcium, your body will draw from the calcium bank in your bones, leading to a gradual decline in bone density and potentially resulting in osteoporosis. Vitamin D is another essential nutrient that aids calcium absorption from the intestine, supporting healthy bones. It also plays a role in the growth and maintenance of the skeleton and in regulating calcium levels in the blood. Exercise is a crucial component of maintaining bone health. Not all exercise is equal when it comes to our bones. Bones benefit when a certain amount of impact or strain is placed on them, making specific types of exercise most beneficial. Osteoporosis treatment typically involves medications that slow or block the activity of bone-removing cells (osteoclasts) while leaving bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) at work. This helps improve bone strength over time. Fact sheets about medical conditions, medications and bone health Various medical conditions and medications can also impact bone health. For instance, anorexia nervosa, which often begins during the crucial bone development years of adolescence, can lead to poor bone health. Similarly, conditions like breast cancer, coeliac disease, and diabetes can negatively impact bone health due to changes in hormone levels or nutrient absorption. Certain medications, such as glucocorticoids, can also affect bone strength. Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis is a rare but severe condition that can lead to easy bone breakage during pregnancy or in the weeks following birth. However, this condition is usually short-lived, and most women do not experience similar issues in subsequent pregnancies. In conclusion, bone health is a critical aspect of overall wellness that often goes overlooked. Understanding the factors influencing bone health and taking proactive steps to maintain it can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions. Healthy Bones Australia’s resource hub is an excellent starting point for anyone seeking to learn more about bone health and the steps they can take to protect their skeletal system. Other content to help you answer your questions. Youth Hub – for young people. Bone health is an essential part of young people’s general health. Certain conditions and medications can lead to poor bone health in young adults. Helpful Links to help you find a specific service you are interested in. A list of government, non-government and other organisations provide current health information, resources and service advice to support Australians living with osteoporosis, including their families, carers and others. Know Your Bones Online Self-Assessment is an online self-assessment and an easy way to review risk factors for poor bone health. Healthy Bones Australia and The Garvan Institute of Medical Research developed this online tool. Utilising helpful resources provides knowledge and insights, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and take practical actions. They serve as a guide, simplifying complex concepts and offering practical solutions to challenges. These resources foster self-learning and empowerment, promoting continuous growth and development.