OSTEOPOROSIS
As our bone density decreases and in out early twenties maximal bone density is reached. “Bone quality, or architecture, is also involved in bone strength and can be affected by diet, activity, illness, medications, and age” (National Institutes of Health, 2001). The risk of osteoporosis is increased by inadequate intake of calcium in the diet of teenagers. Osteoporosis is a common disease of the skeletal system, which results in the loss of bone tissue. The results cause bones to become thinner, lose calcium and in some cases bones may disappear completely. According to Rodan& Martin (2000),
For every 10% of bone that is lost, the risk of fracture doubles. In the United States, it
is estimated that 16.8 million postmenopausal women have lost more than 10 % of
their peak adult bone mass, another 9.4 million have lost more than 25%, and 4.8
million have already suffered an osteoporotic fracture. (p. 1509)
A decrease in estrogen is the most common cause of osteoporosis seen in women. Estrogen loss is associated with elevated bone resorption. It has been indicated by Marx (2004) that estrogen is a key regulator of osteoblast signaling. In the early stages of life osteoporosis can be prevented with a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine. Another important prevention is limiting alcohol intake and becoming a non-smoker. As life progresses ways to prevent falls along with prevention should be considered. The most common fractures seen in osteoporosis are vertebral fractures and hip fractures. Although a hip fracture can be the most devastating, it is often seen that after surgical intervention has been performed they are able to become ambulatory again, while some others may lose their ability to independently walk again. “Organized rehabilitation therapy does help recovery, but the best setting (home, nursing home, rehabilitation hospital) for rehabilitation needs to be individualized” (Stone & Lyles, 2006, p. 68). Regaining physical function can be increased by strength training.
For every 10% of bone that is lost, the risk of fracture doubles. In the United States, it
is estimated that 16.8 million postmenopausal women have lost more than 10 % of
their peak adult bone mass, another 9.4 million have lost more than 25%, and 4.8
million have already suffered an osteoporotic fracture. (p. 1509)
A decrease in estrogen is the most common cause of osteoporosis seen in women. Estrogen loss is associated with elevated bone resorption. It has been indicated by Marx (2004) that estrogen is a key regulator of osteoblast signaling. In the early stages of life osteoporosis can be prevented with a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine. Another important prevention is limiting alcohol intake and becoming a non-smoker. As life progresses ways to prevent falls along with prevention should be considered. The most common fractures seen in osteoporosis are vertebral fractures and hip fractures. Although a hip fracture can be the most devastating, it is often seen that after surgical intervention has been performed they are able to become ambulatory again, while some others may lose their ability to independently walk again. “Organized rehabilitation therapy does help recovery, but the best setting (home, nursing home, rehabilitation hospital) for rehabilitation needs to be individualized” (Stone & Lyles, 2006, p. 68). Regaining physical function can be increased by strength training.