Chapter 16 Lesson 1: Building Bones That Last

The 206 bones of your skeletal system form the framework that supports the rest of your body. Each bone needs to be properly nourished and conditioned in order to do its job. On the Web site below, you will learn how bones are formed, and what kind of healthy habits you can develop to ensure that your bones are as strong as possible.

Link to explore: U.S. Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1997/697_bone.html

Directions

• Start at the FDA Web site.
• Read the entire “Bone Builders” page about supporting your bones with healthy habits.
• Take notes as you read.  When you are done reading, answer the questions below.
• Finally, using the information from the site create a menu for a meal that features bone healthy foods.  Beneath each food write a short sentence about what it contributes to bone health.

Questions

1. What are the two things teens can do to reduce the risk of fractured bones later in life?

2. What is the process of breaking down and building up of bones called?

3.  What are the six nutrients your body needs to build strong bones?

4. Why is weight bearing exercise so important for growing bones?

5. What are four habits that many teenagers have that can steal calcium from their bones and weaken their skeletons for life?

Answers

1. The two things teens can do to reduce the risk of fractured bones later in life are eat calcium-rich foods and get plenty of physical activity.

2. The build up and breakdown process of bones is called remodeling..

3. The six nutrients your body needs to build strong bones are calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc.

4. The impact of weight and pull of muscle during exercise stimulates the body to build stronger, denser bones.

5. Habits that many teenagers have that can steal calcium from their bones and weaken their skeletons for life include:
1. Skipping meals
2. Replacing milk with nondairy drinks like soda or fruit-flavored juices
3. Cigarette smoking
4. Poor diets
5. Eating disorders

Additional Resources for Teachers

Below are some additional resources on keeping the skeletal system healthy.

1. The California Dairy Council:
   http://www.dairycouncilofca.org/
2. National Osteoporosis Foundation:
   http://www.nof.org/
3. Niams:
   http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/osteoporosis/kidbones.htm
4. University of Arizona:
   http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/fcs/bb/teen.html

Close