Ashley Cardiel
June 18,2013
Bio 128.05
Dr. Pillai
Introduction
Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which bones in the human body tend to have low bone density and reduced quality, which causes them to be very fragile and they are more likely to fracture. It is most commonly found in the spine, wrist, and hip. Osteoporosis is also known as the “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without any symptoms. Patients with the bone disease often times do not know they have the disease until their bones become weak, frail that any strain, bump or fall causes an easy hip fracture or other injuries found in the common areas the disease was originate in.
As said by the (International Osteoporosis Foundation), around the world 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men are at risk of an osteoporotic fracture. 1.6 billion hip fractures occur each year worldwide, as said by (Cooper c), it is set to increase to 6.3 million by the year 2050. The worldwide cost burden of osteoporosis is said to increase $131.5 billion also by the year 2050. Doctors have discussed that 93% of women admit the importance of osteoporosis, however 8 out of 10 do not believe they are at risk. Which concludes that 80% of women diagnosed were not aware of their risk before they were given a diagnosis.
Discussion
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to protect your body from enduring fractures later in lifetime can prevent osteoporosis. Also having a balanced diet and having a sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D. Another prevention from the bone disease is exercise. Some exercises include running, tennis, and aerobics are all suitable for good bone building. It has been mention by the (Mayo Clinic staff) that, Men and women between the ages of 18 and 50 need approximately 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. Osteoporosis is now a largely treatable condition. The number of milligram intake increases when women turn 50 and men turn 70. Vitamin D is necessary for our bodies to consume to absorb calcium. Still today scientist do not know what the optimal daily dose of vitamin D are low, noted by the (Mayo Clinic staff). However it has been said that osteoporosis can in fact