Look Who it Was Random video

Building up Young Bones

150 views · Published 22 March 2015 · 1:37 · Indexed 18 October 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2015 · Science & Technology

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Messages on bone health are generally aimed at the older generation, who are many times already in decline. Now doctors are setting their sites lower; educating a younger audience.

“We see bones, we see skeletons, we see pictures of skeletons and we think it’s like a rock. But if you think about your bone, it’s actually alive,” says Dr. David Eichten, who is an orthopedic surgeon on medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System. 

Alive and growing - up to a point.

“Up until your mid-20s most of the bone mass is accumulated. After that, there’s a steady decline, especially in women. After menopause we see a big drop,” says Dr. Eichten. 

It’s very important to keep your bones healthy. People with brittle bones are more likely to suffer falls, fractures and arthritis. Turns out you can bulk up while you’re young which helps you stay strong later in life. 

“A lot of that has to do with exercise and weight-bearing exercise. It’s similar to going to the gym. If you’re not working out your muscles, they’re going to be, they’re going to shrink. It’s the same with your bone and your bone density,” says Dr. Eichten. 

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons is expressing concern that young people are too sedentary, and it could come back to haunt them. Making this generation weaker than in years past, unless they take action.

“It’s important to know that their bone is alive, it’s constantly being remodeled and it’s important for exercise and weight-bearing activity so that your bones aren’t soft,” says Dr. Eichten. 

Growing up to be an old softie isn’t doing yourself any favors. 

View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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