Strengthening your bones is not something that can happen overnight, it takes years for your body to build strong bones and even then, it is natural for them to lose their dexterity. All you can do is keep your body healthy to make sure it is prepared for any unexpected situations. For years, many older adults have been told to take vitamin D and calcium supplements to keep their bones strong and prevent falls. However, a new report from U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is changing that advice. This report suggests that for most older people, these supplements don't actually prevent falls or broken bones. This might be surprising news, we must understand why falls happen more often as we age, what vitamin D and calcium do in the body, and most importantly, what you can do to stay safe and prevent fractures.

What the Report Says

According to the report, vitamin D supplements don't seem to help prevent falls or broken bones for most people over 60. They also found that these supplements, especially with calcium, might increase the risk of kidney stones. This report doesn't mean people with weak bones (osteoporosis), low vitamin D, or who take vitamin D for other health reasons shouldn't take it. It just means that for most healthy older people, these supplements don't prevent falls and fractures.

Why Older People Fall and Break Bones More Easily

There are many reasons why older people are more prone to breaking their bones. Our bones are strongest when we're in our 20s and 30s, and they get weaker as we age so naturally, they can break easily. It can also be harder to move around as we get older, sometimes because of problems like arthritis this can affect how we walk and make us less steady.

There are also different issues like neuropathy, which is a nerve problem that can also make it harder to feel your feet and keep your balance. Eyesight is also a culprit as it can cause you to feel dizzy and fall. Some medicines can also make people feel unsteady, and older people often take more medicines than younger people. Low vitamin D itself can also increase the risk of falls, so keeping vitamin D levels up is still important.

Better Ways To Protect Your Bone Health

USPSTF recommends a few better ways to protect your bone health and prevent broken bones and falls.

Walk Regularly

Regular walks strengthen your muscles and bones, which helps you stay steady on your feet. It is as simple as practice makes perfect so the more you walk, the better it is. Walking also improves your balance, making you less likely to fall.

Do Strength Training

Strength training, like lifting weights or using resistance bands, makes your bones stronger and helps prevent fractures if you do fall. It is like a safety cushion, but you must be careful while doing so because it can lead to injuries if done too much.

Practice Balance

Activities like tai chi, Pilates, and yoga can improve your balance and coordination, making you more stable and less prone to falls. These can also help you improve your muscle flexibility and strength that in turn helps your body be stronger.

Check Your Medicines

If you have osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about medications that can help strengthen your bones and lower your risk of fractures. Many medications can also have unsavory side effects like weakened joints, losing muscle strength, etc.

Eat Enough Protein

A proper diet goes a long way when it comes to your entire body health. So to keep up with your body’s nutrition and muscle health, eat more protein along with a balanced meal that includes loads of fiber, healthy fats and carbs.

Get Your Eyes Checked

Having poor eyesight can be difficult, not only does it make life difficult without glasses, but it also increases the possibilities of getting into minor accidents like bumping into people and missing objects placed in front of us.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is also important because when you are not sleeping, you get disoriented and can ignore even obvious things like the last stair in the staircase. Make sure you get enough sleep to keep you fresh and focused.

Make Your Home Safe

There are many things that can cause you to have accidents, even in your home. To avoid such falls, make sure there are no lose ends like crooked floor panels, rugs that are sticking out or protruding furniture that can hurt your knees

Many people assume that if they exercise regularly, eat healthy, and stay active, they are naturally protected from serious illnesses like lung cancer. It is a comforting belief but unfortunately, it is not entirely true. While a healthy lifestyle lowers the risk of many diseases and improves overall well-being, it does not make anyone completely immune to lung cancer.

This misconception often leads to another problem: delayed diagnosis. When someone who has never smoked or is physically fit develops a persistent cough, unusual tiredness, or breathlessness, they may dismiss these symptoms as a lingering cold, seasonal allergies, or simply overexertion after a workout. Family members may do the same, assuming that someone who looks healthy couldn't possibly have a serious lung condition. As a result, valuable time may be lost before medical help is sought.

Being Fit Doesn't Eliminate Lung Cancer Risk

Some forms of lung cancer, especially adenocarcinoma, develop in the outer parts of the lungs, where they may grow silently for months before causing noticeable symptoms.

Also read: The 'Safer Than Smoking' Myth? Doctors Warn Vaping May Carry Its Own Lung Cancer Risks

Warning Signs That Should Never Be Ignored

One of the challenges is that active individuals often have better lung capacity and stamina, allowing their bodies to compensate for early changes. This can make the warning signs subtler in the beginning.

A persistent cough, breathlessness during activities that once felt easy, unexplained fatigue, chest discomfort, hoarseness of voice, recurrent chest infections, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss should never be ignored, especially if these symptoms last for more than two to three weeks.

Also read: Bryan Johnson's New 2.6M Women's Health Project Centers on Girlfriend's Menstrual Blood

Early Detection Can Save Lives

The encouraging news is that early detection can make a significant difference. Recognizing persistent symptoms and seeking medical evaluation promptly can lead to earlier diagnosis, when treatment is often more effective. Depending on an individual's symptoms and risk factors, a doctor may recommend investigations such as a chest X-ray or CT scan.

Staying physically active remains one of the best decisions a person can make for their health. Exercise strengthens the heart, improves lung function, and reduces the risk of several chronic diseases.

But fitness should never create a false sense of security. The body has its own way of asking for attention, and listening to those signals no matter how healthy a person feels can sometimes be the most important step toward protecting long-term health.

By Dr. Jayesh Prajapati, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncology, Sterling Hospital, Ahmedabad

The first 1,000 days, right from pregnancy until a child's second birthday, are a crucial window for growth and brain development. Hence, understand that breastfeeding during this period plays a key role in building lifelong health and immunity for the child. Read on to know more about how breastfeeding tends to shape the child’s health for life.

Why the First 1,000 Days Matter?

The first 1,000 days of a child's life, right from conception until the age of two years, is often a critical time for growth and development. During this time, brain development happens rapidly, organs mature, and even the immune system tends to become stronger.

Good nutrition tends to have a huge impact on the child’s physical health, learning ability, and even overall well-being. Breastfeeding helps the baby to get enough nutrition. Breast milk also protects babies from infections and tends to support healthy growth.

Also read: Breastfeeding Moms Are Mixing Formula & Breast Milk-Should You?

How Breastfeeding Shapes Lifelong Health?

Breastfeeding involves a correct balance of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies that a growing baby needs. Breastfeeding strengthens the baby's immune system. Babies who are breastfed will be able to prevent diarrhoea, ear infections, and respiratory illnesses.

Important nutrients such as DHA and other healthy fats help in the growth of the brain and nervous system, which may improve learning and cognitive development later in life. Did you know? Breastfeeding is important and even helps to reduce the chances of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain allergies as children grow older.

It encourages healthy weight gain during infancy and helps develop better eating habits. Breastfeeding is also beneficial for mothers. It helps the uterus return to its normal size after childbirth, reduces bleeding after delivery, and may lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Breastfeeding creates a strong emotional bond with their baby through close skin-to-skin contact.

Also read: Breastfeeding Week: Experts Share How Breastfeeding Helps You and Your Child?

Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

• Start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth whenever possible and don’t discontinue without the doctor’s knowledge.
• Exclusively breastfeed for the first six months without giving water or other foods unless advised by a doctor.
• Continue breastfeeding the child along with giving nutritious complementary foods until two years of age.
• Feed the baby without fail whenever they show signs of hunger instead of following a strict routine.
• Eat a balanced diet, drink enough fluids, and get adequate rest to support milk production.
• Seek help from a doctor or lactation consultant if breastfeeding challenges arise.

Hence, follow these tips and ensure proper breastfeeding for the child.

By Dr Nishant Bansal, Consultant - Paediatrician & Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida

Patient should not be afraid to ask what type of lung cancer, Stage and spread of disease whether it has spread and what is stage of disease, This information helps direct treatment decisions and provides insight into the future prospective of disease status .

The patient should self designate a Trustee who will take care of her Medical Records , fixing up appointment and be responsible for medication administration. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be shocking and worrisome, but knowing what to expect can help patients make more informed choices.

The first lesson is that lung cancer can be very different from patient to patient. Treatment depends on the type, stage as well as genetic changes and health.

Ask About The Exact Diagnosis

Molecular Testing Can Change Treatment

For lung cancer patients some patients will require testing the tumour for specific Molecular markers which help in deciding type of immunotherapy . Before beginning treatment, patients should be asked for if they have had the appropriate tests done for fitness before therapy.

Treatment Is Not Always Just Chemotherapy

Modern lung cancer care may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted medicines and immunotherapy, often in various combinations. The best treatment will depend on the type of cancer and the health of the patient.

Also read: What Is Driving India's High Burden Of Childhood Cancers?

Symptoms and Side Effects Should Be Reported

Patients should not quietly accept worsening shortness of breath, pain, fever, severe weakness, poor appetite or side effects of treatment. Early communication can assist doctors in managing complications and maintaining quality of life.

Supportive Care Matters Too

Palliative or supportive care is not just for the end of the cancer course. It can be given along with cancer treatment to help manage symptoms, improve emotional wellbeing and increase everyday comfort.

Above all, I do not think that a diagnosis means there are no options. The treatment of lung cancer is changing rapidly and the results can vary greatly from patient to patient. Ask questions, clarify, and understand treatment plan and when appropriate, get a second opinion before making major decisions.