As Halloween approaches, images of skeletons are everywhere. At Get Well Natural, it's a reminder that taking care of your bones and joints is important to your overall health. Plus, the onset of cooler weather can make some people a little achy. Here's how you can reduce the achiness and improve your bone and joint health the natural way.*

Bones: Uncovered

Did you know that the U.S. is nearing the end of Bone and Joint Decade? This worldwide initiative works to improve prevention of bone and joint disorders, and to improve the quality of life for those affected. Bones provide structure, movement and protect your body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says to think of them like anchors for your muscles. That's a pretty important job! And contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become porous and weak, is not a "female" problem. After the age of 20, every body loses bone faster than new bone can be made. If you're concerned about Osteoporosis, Mayo Clinic advises you watch for:

• Back pain, which can be severe, as a result of a fractured or collapsed vertebra
• Loss of height over time
• A stooped posture
• Fracture of the vertebra, wrist, hip or other bone from simple activities (bending, coughing, etc.)*

Bone and Joint Health: An Eastern Medicine Point of View

Maintaining strong bones is crucial to a healthy lifestyle. Most of us know that eating enough calcium and doing weight-bearing physical activities helps build strong bones and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. But if you get a bone injury or disease, your Western Medical professional may automatically prescribe drugs. Problem is, these drug-based treatments may lead to harmful side effects without addressing the primary cause of the problem. In his article, Dr. Graeme Shaw makes the case for an Eastern Medicine point of view on how balanced kidney energy can promote healthier bones.

Exercise Can Offset Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation notes that arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability. Of the 46 million men, women and children who suffer from arthritis, seven million have pain that limits simple activities like walking, dressing or bathing. The National Institutes of Health explains that as muscles strengthen during physical activity, they push and pull on your bones to form sturdier bone tissue. So to help avoid arthritis later in life they suggest to start now doing bone-healthy, weight-bearing exercises such as biking, tennis, jumping rope, dancing and hiking.*

Delicious Recipes for Healthy Bones

Getting enough calcium in your diet doesn't have to be boring. In fact, there are plenty of calcium-rich foods you can add to your diet, including tahini, broccoli, swiss chard, kale, brazil nuts, papaya, flax seeds, oranges and sesame seeds. Start experimenting in the kitchen with these bone-healthy recipes:

• 10-Minute Energizing Oatmeal
• Kicked-Up Kale Salad
• Broccoli Parsnip Medley
• Mini Flax Pizza Bites