Lean On Me

A one-man show, no matter how efficient he is, simply cannot beat the combined force of a team. Similarly, different parts of our body work in tandem with one another so that we can function properly.

Our musculoskeletal system consists of three main players: bones, muscles and joints . Together, they provide form, support, stability and posture so that we can move with ease. It's important that each of these parts is kept healthy as the entire system will break down if one part stops working properly.

Muscles are a bundle of fibrous tissue in our body, which contains more than 600 muscles, making up about 40% of our total body weight. Muscles have the ability to stretch and contract to keep us moving, and adjust constantly to help us maintain our posture.

Meanwhile, the joints of the body can be broken down into two groups: immovable and movable. The movable joints can be further divided into limited movement and free-moving. Movable joints have cartilage that protects and cushions the joints, allowing more flexibility in our movements.

The third and perhaps most important member of this system is our bones. There are 206 bones in the adult body, and they serve to protect our vital organs and store minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.

Bones are thus important to this system, as they give it a structure. Muscles are connected to the bones and arranged in opposing groups around the joints. All these components work in tandem to support a healthy musculoskeletal system. The alignment of the musculoskeletal system is such that, when there is imbalance, the entire spine compensates to stabilise the body.

Exercising regularly is one important factor that makes your bones stronger. Exercising in the great outdoors, especially in the sunlight, can give your Vitamin D level a boost. Another factor to bone health is diet. From the time we are born to early adulthood, we accumulate bone mass so that we can reach peak bone mass. To make sure that happens, we need to have enough calcium in our daily diet.

Dairy products are a good source of calcium, but regular milk alone may not contain enough nutrients for our musculoskeletal system. Anlene can be a better option: it is high in calcium and Vitamin D, and also contains zinc and magnesium, nutrients needed for muscle functions.

Our mobility is not something to be taken for granted, especially since it takes continual effort to maintain it. It's best that we start and continue being active and eat healthily for a better future.