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Chronic Diseases

Osteoporosis

What is it?
Why is it important?
Resources

What Is It?

    Osteoporosis is when bone loses density, thus making the bones in the body weaker. It has been noted that APIA women have the same risks as do Caucasian women for high rates of osteoporosis and a lower bone density.

 

 

Why is Osteoporosis important?

    Low bone density can cause the bones to be more prone to fracture. When bones break it can be painful and cause a problem to the individual. Rehabilitation of bone fractures can be long and painful, so it is important to keep bones strong. Hip fractures and wrist fractures are the most common bone breaks among the elderly who suffer from osteoporosis.

    To prevent osteoporosis people should have a high intake of calcium, limit alcohol and tobacco use and participate in weight bearing exercise on a regular basis. Vitamin D can also be used in conjunction with calcium because it helps the body to absorb the calcium minerals. Women under the age of 50 should get 1,000 mg of calcium per day and women over 50 should get 1,200 mg of calcium per day.

 

 

Resources

    • National Institutes of Health- Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases- National Resource Center- Fact Sheet
    • National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases- http://www.niams.nih.gov/