Think about all the movements you do every day: walking, climbing stairs, typing, turning doorknobs and lifting. Your bones, muscles and joints all work together to make your body an amazingly movable machine. Like any machine, your body can suffer some wear and tear. It needs regular care and maintenance to keep moving with ease.

Scientists are studying the mechanical movements of our bodies to help us be as strong, flexible and mobile as possible throughout our lives. This type of research is called biomechanics. These studies are finding that the way you move–including walking, standing and bending–can affect your future mobility and overall health. Body movements involve force, balance, gravity and motion.

The main moving parts of your body include the solid bones, the joint tissues that link bones together, and the muscles that attach to your bones. Your body has about 200 bones and more than 600 muscles. These parts all work together to help you move throughout the day.

Studies of biomechanics have already led to better ways to prevent muscle and joint injuries in kids during sports and play, and to help older people stay more mobile and independent. Some researchers are working to develop better artificial joints. Others have devised improved treatments for movement disorders such as cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s disease.

Joints are a common source of problems and pain. Some joints, such as your shoulder joint, can move in many directions. Others, like your knee joint, can only bend one way. Any movements outside a joint’s natural range might cause injury.

Falls are serious at any age, but especially for older adults, who are more likely to break a bone. Each year, more than 1.6 million older Americans go to emergency rooms for fall-related injuries. Falling causes a lot of suffering and is a huge problem for society. Exercises that improve your balance and strengthen your muscles can help to prevent falls.

Muscle strengthening and proper joint alignment are important for just about anyone who wants to stay flexible and mobile. The bottom line is that everybody needs to be active.

Body Maintenance

• Maintain a healthy weight. Too much weight can make your knees aand hips ache.

• Engage in muscle strengthening (resistance) activities that involve all your major muscle groups 2 or more times a week.

• Stay active all week long. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week, such as brisk walking.

• Wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes.

• Eat a well-balanced diet. Get enough calcium and vitamin D daily to protect your bones.

• Try to avoid lifting heavy objects. If you need to lift something heavy, bend your knees and keep your back straight.

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Information adapted from NIH News in Health, a monthly newsletter from the National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, July 2013.

If you would like more information on “Healthy Movements – Your Body’s Mechanics” feel free to contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus – University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu. Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus™ information in next week’s paper.