Why Did Grandma Break

Osteoporosis is a major public heath treat for more than 28 million Americans, 80 percent of whom are women. In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone that leads to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone microarchitecture is disrupted, and the amount and variety of non-collagenous proteins in bone is altered. Osteoporosis is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in women as a bone mineral density 2.5 standard deviations below peak bone mass (20-year-old healthy female average) as measured by DXA; the term "established osteoporosis" includes the presence of a fragility fracture.[1] Osteoporosis is most common in women after menopause, when it is called postmenopausal osteoporosis, but may also develop in men, and may occur in anyone in the presence of particular hormonal

Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose their strength and density. They become fragile, weak, and brittle, this means that the bones are more likely to fracture. Osteoporosis particularly affects women after menopause and in their later years. However, some men may also be affected. Activity and a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help prevent osteoporosis. It affects one of every two women and one out of every five men, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Osteoporosis is a disease in the bones that usually start for women after menopause. Osteoporosis is a disorder in the skeletal that is characterized by low bone density and the deterioration of bony tissue. According to the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published in 2009 states that osteoporosis happens when bone density has been reduced. Osteoporosis lies on fractures that occur in our lives and the most common fractures associated with osteoporosis occur in our distal forearms, hip bones, wrists and most importantly it occurs in the vertebrae discs, which result in a major health problem. According to the Postgraduate Medical Journal published in 2003 it states that the deterioration of bony tissue results in an increase in fracture risk. It also states that by the age 85, white women have a 3% annual incidence of hip

Nearly 55 million Americans are estimated to have osteoporosis, making it one of the most common diseases among American seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men over the age of 50 will end up a broken bone as a result of osteoporosis. In fact, according to May Clinic,

Disease osteoporosis may lead, mostly, to broken bones, mostly in the bones of the spine, pelvis, thighs or detailed palm of the hand. Despite the common belief that this disease affects women, mainly, but osteoporosis can affect men as well. In addition to people with osteoporosis, there are also many people who suffer from depression bone

Currently in my family my mother and my grandmother both have osteoporosis. “Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in the density of bone, decreasing its strength and resulting in fragile bones” ("Osteoporosis", 2012). Osteoporosis can cause bones to break very easily. All it takes is the slightest accident and you can end up with a fracture or a complete break. The spine, hips, ribs and wrists are the most common bones broken because of this disorder. All of these most often are a result in a fall, but can happen at any point during a slight trauma. Currently there is about 55% of the population over the age of 50 that have osteoporosis or osteopenia. ("Osteoporosis", 2012) “One in two Caucasian women will

Further estimates have suggested that up to 30% of post-menopausal white women are osteoporotic (3). Essentially, these data suggest that osteoporosis is a widely spread, pervasive disease.

Losing bone is common of the ageing process, but for some individuals it can lead to osteoporosis and a multiplied risk of fractures. Osteoporosis ("porous bone"), is a disease that intensifies the loss of bone mass and strength. It often advances without any symptoms or pain. Thus, osteoporosis is not detected until weakened bones cause painful fractures typically in the back or hips. These brittle fractures result in serious morbidity and may have lasting effects through associated depression, disability, and lower health-related quality of life. For example, two thirds of patients who suffer a hip fracture never regain the level of function they had before the fracture. Approximately 20% of hip fracture patients die within a year of the fracture, and were listed as the cause of death on 12,661 death certificates in 1999 Nine out of one hundred women with a hip fracture will die as a result of the fracture. Fractures resulting from osteoporosis can lead to pain, decrease in height, inability to stand, and inability to walk. There are roughly 10 million people with osteoporosis, women are 80% of the sufferers. After the first few years of menopause, women experience bone loss rapidly. Although, this disease also affects men, they usually have stronger, bulkier bones and do not lose their mass as naturally. In addition, men who actually have from osteoporosis, often get it later in life than women, and at drastically lower rates.

It is believed that low Vitamin D levels cause hip fractures, but there is limited information available on vitamin D levels in US women admitted with acute hip fractures. Research was done to determine whether postmenopausal women with hip fractures have low Vitamin D and high parathyroid levels compared with non-osteoporotic and osteoporotic women admitted for elective joint replacement.

Osteoporosis is the most common disease of the skeletal system that points out a decreased bone mass and as a result produces an augmented risk of fractures which identify the main cause of clinical disease. Often, it is called the silent disease because bone loss occurs silently, gradually and without symptoms until the first fracture originates. Worldwide, osteoporosis is seen as a global health problem affecting more than 200 million people (International Osteoporosis Foundation, 2014). Specifically, 1 in 3 women over age 50 suffer bone fractures in contrast to 1 in 5 men (International Osteoporosis Foundation, 2014). Of course, the prevalence of broad scope of osteoporosis is higher in women who represent 80%. On the

Older women have to go through menopause, which is a normal transition in life out of menstruation. The drug companies have medicalized this natural process; now menopause often causes fear in woman about aging and chronic diseases (Abramson). Drug companies have attempted to profit from this fear with the “menopause disease”, of Osteoporosis (Abramson). It is all about the loss of bone density and the resulting fractures that inevitably happens. Fosamax is the prescription of choice for this disease and the scientific data shows it increases bone density (Abramson). However, the same data, when examined closer, shows that woman using the drug to improve bone density are 84 percent more likely to suffer a hip fracture (Abramson). Alternatively, a calcium and vitamin D rich diet and weight bearing exercises like walking or climbing stairs will help prevent falls (Carr, Rabkin, and Skinner 32). Falls are the top cause of the fractures in senior woman and exercising is 200 percent more effective than Fosamax for preventing fractures (Abramson). Once again, a pill comes before a reliable and healthy fix.

I have enjoyed reading your post, Sarah. I found your comments on osteoporosis informative and educational. As you have stated, osteoporosis can lead to bone fracture. This condition is common among older women. However, it can affect both genders as people age. Osteoporosis may also be linked other diseases and cancers. Osteoporosis may be silent. The individual may not know that he or she have it until they experience a fracture. Prevention is the best way to reduce the risk of developing Osteoporosis. Calcium is very important to healthy bones. Vitamin d intake is essential for calcium absorption. Therefore, adequate calcium and vitamin d intake are essential for healthy bones. Exercise is also important for bone health. It is important

It is important to know who is at risk for osteoporosis. Common risk factors include: age, gender, family history, small frame, and menopause. As a person ages the risk increases also osteoporosis affects more women than men. Most Doctors will

Today more than 44 million Americans are affected by low bone density or osteoporosis. About one in two women and up to one in four men over the age 50, are expected to break a bone due to osteoporosis. Of the estimated 44 million Americans with osteoporosis, about 80% are women. Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women fifty years and older and is responsible for many fractures and deaths of its victims.