Osteoporosis
One disease of the bones that affects over 1 million Australians is osteoporosis. This bone-thinning disease greatly increases the risk of fractures and occurs when the “…ratio of bone formation to bone break- down…” becomes out of balance, triggering osteoblast activity to slow down (Whitney, Rady Rolfes, Crow, Cameron-smith & Walsh, 2014, p. 199). Affected bones rapidly lose important minerals, such as calcium, rendering them ineffective in replacing these important minerals (Whitney et al., 2014, p. 199). Therefore, the affected bones, in particular, the most common the hip, spine, and wrist, become thin, weak, and brittle (Figure 1). Figure 1: The construction of an osteoporosis bone on the left compared with that of a normal …show more content…
199).
Males are also susceptible to osteoporosis as they age, however, because their testosterone levels decline more slowly, their “…bone mass remains adequate until later in life” (Osteoporosis Australia, 2014, para. 3). Other factors that have the potential to cause osteoporosis are lifestyle choices such as, a diet lacking in calcium, protein, or vitamin D. In addition, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity are risk factors for the development of osteoporosis (Osteoporosis Australia, 2014, para. 7).
Outcomes for the treatment of osteoporosis vary between individuals. If diagnosed with osteoporosis, a doctor may prescribe medication to strengthen the bones to support the prevention of fractures (Osteoporosis Australia, 2014, para. 2). Some studies even suggest that there are certain medications that have the potential to reverse bone loss (Khosla, Westendorf & Oursler, 2008, p. 1). However, along with a treatment plan for medication, it is essential that individuals take further preventive measures. For example, individuals should consume a calcium and vitamin D rich diet, exercise frequently to assist bone health, discontinue or reduce cigarette and alcohol consumption, and regularly monitoring for medical conditions or medications that may affect bone health (Osteoporosis Australia, 2014, para. 2). Taking preventative measures will greatly reduce or even cease the progression of
One disease of the bones that affects over 1 million Australians is osteoporosis. This bone-thinning disease greatly increases the risk of fractures and occurs when the “…ratio of bone formation to bone break- down…” becomes out of balance, triggering osteoblast activity to slow down (Whitney, Rady Rolfes, Crow, Cameron-smith & Walsh, 2014, p. 199). Affected bones rapidly lose important minerals, such as calcium, rendering them ineffective in replacing these important minerals (Whitney et al., 2014, p. 199). Therefore, the affected bones, in particular, the most common the hip, spine, and wrist, become thin, weak, and brittle (Figure 1). Figure 1: The construction of an osteoporosis bone on the left compared with that of a normal …show more content…
199).
Males are also susceptible to osteoporosis as they age, however, because their testosterone levels decline more slowly, their “…bone mass remains adequate until later in life” (Osteoporosis Australia, 2014, para. 3). Other factors that have the potential to cause osteoporosis are lifestyle choices such as, a diet lacking in calcium, protein, or vitamin D. In addition, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity are risk factors for the development of osteoporosis (Osteoporosis Australia, 2014, para. 7).
Outcomes for the treatment of osteoporosis vary between individuals. If diagnosed with osteoporosis, a doctor may prescribe medication to strengthen the bones to support the prevention of fractures (Osteoporosis Australia, 2014, para. 2). Some studies even suggest that there are certain medications that have the potential to reverse bone loss (Khosla, Westendorf & Oursler, 2008, p. 1). However, along with a treatment plan for medication, it is essential that individuals take further preventive measures. For example, individuals should consume a calcium and vitamin D rich diet, exercise frequently to assist bone health, discontinue or reduce cigarette and alcohol consumption, and regularly monitoring for medical conditions or medications that may affect bone health (Osteoporosis Australia, 2014, para. 2). Taking preventative measures will greatly reduce or even cease the progression of