More Information for Osteoporosis

Main causes

• Bone did not grow adequately early in life, reaching below optimal peak bone mass
• Rate of bone reabsorption higher than rate of bone mass formation
• Hormonal change, decrease in estrogen level for female and decrease in testosterone levels for male

Symptoms

• Fracture
• Collapsed vertebrae - back pain, loss in height and curved back
• Otherwise no symptoms as it is a silent disease

How does it affect individuals with the disease?

May cause spine fracture with little shock e.g. coughing

Leads to pain and deformity

Cures

Medication

• Aclasta (intravenous drug)  

Avoid bone loss and maintain bone strength

• Calcium - 1200 mg a day. Helps to build strong teeth and bones
• Vitamin D - 2000 units a day. Helps to maintain blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. It helps body to absorb calcium to form strong teeth and bones.
• Exercise - stretching and strengthening exercise to rebuild the weak skeletal frame and improve posture e.g. yoga, aerobic

Prevention

Start from young - promote awareness of good nutrition in young people to build up bone strength

References

http://awomanshealth.com/conditions-treatments/osteoporosis/

http://www.iofbonehealth.org/news-multimedia/real-stories/patient-stories

http://www.healthandbone.ca/en/what_is_osteoporosis/how_does_it_impact_life/

http://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/exercise-can-modify-dna-in-fat-cells/