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Osteoporosis

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Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones…

The skeleton plays an important role in human physiology and function. Bone structure is vital as the human body rests on a framework made of bones. Healthy bones contribute to the overall health of an individual and a fully functional skeletal system is vital to physical health. Bones can get infections and other diseases just like any other part or organ of the human body. These illnesses can range from bone cancers to the degenerative bone disease of osteoporosis. This paper presents the disease of osteoporosis by defining it, and outlining its causes, symptoms, testing and diagnosis, and treatment.
Bones consist of living tissue and are constantly being broken down and replaced. Bone building cells called osteoblasts help to build and strengthen bones while bone cells called osteoclasts role is to reabsorb bone cells. This process is constant throughout one’s lifetime. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by reduced bone strength that makes it more vulnerable to fracture. Bone strength is measured by establishing bone mineral density (BMD), which is also called bone mass. People suffering from osteoporosis have low bone mass. Osteoporosis is a significant health problem that affects more than 25 million people in the United States alone. 80% of those affected by osteoporosis are women. (Melton) Osteoporosis is most prevalent in women 50 years and older. Osteoporosis is also responsible for numerous fractures around bones such as vertebrae, hip, and femur. (Brunner, Eshilian-Oates)
Osteoporosis has no single cause. Bone health is attributed to factors such as bone formation as a child and early adult, and the level of exercise bones have experienced, especially early in life. A drop in estrogen during menopause in women and a drop in testosterone in men can lead to diminished bone loss and osteoporosis (Clinician’s

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