What Osteoporosis Means and Costs

Osteoporosis

EMPHASIS ON BONE HEALTH

Osteoporosis is a condition wherein bones turn weak and become prone to fracture (Ma, 2013). It is the most common bone affliction. Statistics say that about half of all women older than 50 will suffer from some fracture of the hip, wrist or spine from this age onward. One's existing bone is always being replaced evey 10 years. When this does not occur, osteoporosis develops or when the body reabsorbs too much of existing bones, or both (Ma).

Risk Factors

These are genetics, insufficient calcium intake, smoking, childhood or adult diseases, and reduced estrogen in women or testosterone in men (Ma, 2013). Osteoporosis can be passed on from parents to children. The lack of calcium can lead to osteoporosis as calcium is one of the most important minerals used by the body to form bones. Vitamin D is another important element. Without these two, one becomes prone to fracture. Other risks factors are long bed confinement, some medical conditions and medicines, long absence of menstruation, alcohol abuse, and low body weight (Ma).

Involved Body Systems

The two types of osteoporosis are primary and secondary (Office of the Surgeon General, 2004). The systems affected by the primary type, in addition to the skeletal itself, are the renal or kidney, reproductive, endocrine, and digestive systems. Those involved or affected by the secondary type are the immune, nervous and respiratory (Office of the Surgeon General).

Progression of Untreated Osteoporosis

If osteoporosis is left untreated, it can lead to or develop a host of other conditions or compications (Office of the Surgeon General, 2004). These include rickets, osteomalacia, renal osteodystrophy, Paget's disease of the bones, osteogenesis imperfect, malignancy or cancer of the bones, fractures, progressive spinal deformity, sex steroids deficiency, idiopathic hyper-calcuria, cystic fibrosis, delayed puberty, amenorrhea, autoimmune and allergic disorders and psychiatric and other nervous disorders or conditions (Office of the Surgeon General).

Treatments and Therapies

These are taking calcium, Vitamin D and other medicines and undertaking lifetime changes (Office of the Surgeon General, 2004; Ma, 2013). The medicines, calcium and Vitamin D are aimed at strengthening the bones. Affected women should take no less than 1,200 mg of calcium and affected men, no less than 1,000 mg. tThe medicines prescribed include bisphosphonates for postmenopausal women, estrogen and estrogen receptor modulators, teriparatide, calcitonin for the pain of fracture and denusomab (Office of the Surgeon General, Ma).

Lifestyle Changes

Exercising is a primary lifestyle change, especially in older adults (Office of the Surgeon General, 2004). Weight-bearing exercises, free-weights, and balance exercises have been recommended. Weight-bearing exercises include walking, jogging, tennis, dancing and rowing. Exercising should not expose the person to risks of falling. Other lifestyle changes are quitting smoking if already smoking or never beginning it; limiting alcohol intake, avoiding sedatives and other conditions that can increase the risk of falling (Office of the Surgeon General)