Bones play a pivotal role to erect our body, move and physically perform all functions required to live on. They do protect our viscera and our vital organs . Bones store minerals such as calcium and phosphorous too, which preform many physiological functions of our body!

The Indian Orthopedic Association has been celebrating ‘Bone and Joint’ day on 4th August since 2012. The slogan of the association has been “Stronger bones Stronger India – because we believe healthier the bones, healthier the society and stronger the nation.”

In an article titled ‘Bone and Joint day – India’, by Anil K Jain and Sudhir Kumar (from the Department of Orthopaedics, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Delhi, India) published in the Indian Journal of Orthopaedics¹… bone health in Indian has been suitably depicted …

“Optimum bone health: Inspite of 60 years history of orthopaedics in India we have not been able to define optimum and the current state of bone health in our population. We have not identified the factors responsible for poor bone health and evolve state and national level strategies to improve the bone health of the nation. The poor bone health affects the work potential and performance, adds a tremendous musculoskeletal disease burden in late youth due to weak bones. It is not only a clinical burden needing treatment but also a huge loss of average/manday. It is important that every citizen attains optimum bone health. Multicenter studies across the cross section of population are to be conducted in collaboration with community medicine and other departments to evaluate the current level of bone health attained by individuals in different strata and ages. It is important to improve the bone health of the female child as they are going to be future mothers. During the teenage, 40−60% peak bone mass is built. The physical exercises (compulsory participation in sport), adequate milk intake, calcium, other minerals and vitamins supplements, fruits and vegetables intake promote bone formation. Soda and cola drinks containing considerable amount of phosphorus an acid forming mineral interfere with the skeleton's ability to absorb calcium must be discouraged. We as an association should suggest government agencies/health planners to implement programs of promoting bone health of the society at a national level. The corrective steps may be food supplements, physical exercise in the formative years, modification in school and college curriculum and may require a persuasive approach and legislative and public educational routes.”