Osteoporosis is a bone disease marked by brittle and fragile bones. In this assignment, you will explore this disease in more detail using the scenario below.
Scenario:
During a recent visit with a female relative, the relative informs you that she has been diagnosed with osteopenia, a precursor to osteoporosis. In order to help your relative, you decide to research this disease further.
To complete this assignment, do the following:
- Research this disease using a minimum of 2 sources. You can use your textbook for one of the sources. Choose the remaining source(s) from the GALE Virtual Reference Library provided on the Structure and Function of the Human Body library guide page.
- In a minimum of 2 pages (not counting the references page), address the following:
- Explain how osteoporosis develops and the potential causes.
- Describe the ways that your relative can prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
- Include a references page at the end of your document, formatted using the APA guidelines, that lists your research sources.
For help with formatting your references page, see the Structure and Function of the Human Body library guide page linked to above. |
Submit your completed assignment by following the directions linked below. Please check the Course Calendar for specific due dates.
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Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Osteoporosis is a widespread bone disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The disease is characterized by brittle and fragile bones, making it more susceptible to fractures and breaks even under light pressure. The following assignment requires the student to explore the development and potential causes of osteoporosis and ways to prevent the onset of the disease.
1. Explain how osteoporosis develops and the potential causes:
Osteoporosis develops when the body loses bone mass, leading to a decrease in bone density and quality. The gradual loss of bone mass weakens the bones, causing a significant decrease in strength and durability. Osteoporosis develops as a result of an imbalance between the formation and resorption of bone tissue. The bone formation process is led by osteoblasts, while bone resorption is facilitated by osteoclasts. In normal situations, the body strikes a balance between these processes, resulting in healthy bone mass. However, when more bone tissue is broken down than formed, osteoporosis develops.
The causes of osteoporosis are numerous, including genetics, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors such as age, sex, poor diet, lack of exercise, and medications such as steroids. Women are more susceptible to the disease due to the significant hormonal changes they experience during menopause. In contrast, men also suffer from osteoporosis due to low levels of testosterone.
2. Describe the ways that your relative can prevent the onset of osteoporosis:
There are various ways to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, including eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, performing regular weight-bearing exercises, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for strong and healthy bones, and it is recommended to consume 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, and dancing help build bone mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Quitting smoking helps prevent the loss of bone mass and reduce the risk of fractures. High alcohol consumption can lead to bone loss and increase the risk of falls, leading to fractures.
Additionally, your relative should avoid a sedentary lifestyle by performing regular physical activities such as jogging, cycling, and swimming, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding long periods of sitting or lying down.
Conclusion:
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that results in brittle and fragile bones, putting people at greater risk of fractures and breaks. The disease develops due to an imbalance between the formation and resorption of bone tissue. Preventive measures include consuming a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, performing weight-bearing exercises, quitting smoking and alcohol, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, and maintaining a healthy weight.
