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.
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.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that can lead to the development of fragile and brittle bones. This disease can be present in both men and women, but it is more common in women after menopause. In this assignment, we explore the development and potential causes of osteoporosis, as well as ways to prevent the onset of this disease.
1. What are the potential causes of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis can develop due to various factors, including age, gender, and genetics. Women are more prone to this disease due to lower estrogen levels after menopause. Other potential causes of osteoporosis include inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and medication use such as glucocorticoids.
2. How can your relative prevent the onset of osteoporosis?
There are several ways that your relative can prevent the onset of osteoporosis, such as:
– Regular exercise: weight-bearing and strength-training exercises can help improve bone density and strength.
– Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake: calcium is crucial for bone health, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.
– Healthy lifestyle habits: quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
– Medication use: certain medications can help prevent bone loss and improve bone density in those at high risk for osteoporosis.
In conclusion, osteoporosis is a bone disease that can lead to the development of fragile and brittle bones. Women are more prone to this disease due to lower estrogen levels after menopause. Regular exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, healthy lifestyle habits, and medication use can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
