The bones of the skeleton give the body shape and posture. Without bones, standing and doing other activities is impossible. Bones also protect the insides of the body. The skull protects the brain.

According to Christopher D. Jensen, PhD, MPH, RD, it is important to build bones during puberty. Activities that build strong bones include basketball, walking, dancing, any weight-bearing physical activity, running, weight-lifting, soccer and volleyball. Weight-bearing physical activities determine the strength, shape and mass of bones. Exercise also maintains strong bones.

Science teacher James Bell said, “Since I walk to school with my heavy backpack, I strengthen my bones almost every day.”

According to the web sites of The National Institutes of Health and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the absence of physical activity results in a loss of bone mass. Women have a greater risk of suffering bone fractures than men.

Sophomore Brandie Mendoza said, “Dancing helps me strengthen my bones and improve my hand-eye coordination.”

To build stronger bones, eating a healthy diet, staying fit and for Academy students, following the 5-2-1-0 initiatives should also be considered.

Sophomore Keighanna Verdadero said, “Along with doing exercises that build strong bones, a healthy diet is needed. I think students should eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and a healthy amount of other foods.”