Affordable strategies—good nutrition and exercise—underpin many of the preventive and treatment strategies for musculoskeletal conditions:
•Excess weight increases pain and disability from osteoarthritis of the knee.
•Obesity is associated with back pain.
•Poor diet contributes to osteoporosis and gout.
•Smoking is linked to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.
•Excessive alcohol use is linked to osteoporosis and injuries
•Inadequate calcium intake results in loss of bone density and increases the risk of fractures.
The best way to prevent these conditions is to:
•Engage in regular physical activity for fitness
•Maintain ideal body weight
•Follow a balanced diet that meets the requirements for calcium and vitamin D
•Avoid smoking
•Use only moderate amounts of alcohol, if any
•Implement prevention programs related to road traffic, sports and leisure, and workplace accidents