Osteoporosis

Question 1

What is osteoporosis?

Answer 1

A disease characterised by low bone density and deterioration of the bone tissue, which results in fragile bones and increased risk of fractures.

Question 2

How many woman over the age of 50 fracture a bone because of osteoporosis?

Answer 2

1 in 2

Question 3

How many men over the age of 50 fracture a bone because of osteoporosis?

Answer 3

1 in 5

Question 4

How does osteoporosis occur?

Answer 4

Due to the natural process of ageing, around the age of 35, more bone cells are lost than replaced.

Question 5

Which bones are most likely to be fractured in people with osteoporosis?

Answer 5

Wrists
Hips
Spinal

Question 6

Which age group is most commonly affected by osteoporosis? Why?

Answer 6

Post-menopausal woman due to the loss of the hormone oestrogen.

Question 7

Which nutrients are required for strong bones to reduce the risk of osteoporosis?

Answer 7

Calcium
Vitamin D
Phosphorus
Protein

The more of these nutrients deposited in the bones during childhood and adolescence, the stronger the bones will be.

Question 8

What is peak bone mass?

Answer 8

The stage at which bone is strongest, reached at the age of 30-35 years.

Question 9

What happens after peak bone mass is reached at 35?

Answer 9

Bone mass declines, as more bone cells are lost than made.

Question 10

How might peak bone mass be affected?

Answer 10

If calcium and Vitamin D intake are not sufficient in the time between adolescence and early adulthood.

This will increase the risk of fracture and osteoporosis later in life, as the bones are not as strong as possible before natural age-related bone loss begins.

Question 11

How can being in certain medication increase your risk of developing osteoporosis?

Answer 11

Certain medications, taken for a long time, can affect bone strength.

Question 12

How can having a low BMI increase your risk of developing osteoporosis?

Answer 12

Being underweight can have an impact on bone mineral density of the hip and vertebrae, which can increase the risk of fractures and development of osteoporosis.

Question 13

How can smoking increase your risk of developing osteoporosis?

Answer 13

Tobacco use decreases bone density

Question 14

What foods should be eaten to manage osteoporosis?

Answer 14

Calcium and Vitamin D

These can increase bone strength.
Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium and can be found in foods such as cod liver oil, oily fish and margarine.

Foods high in calcium include milk and dairy products.

Question 15

Why is it important to take Vitamin D or be exposed to sunlight when managing osteoporosis?

Answer 15

Increase bone strength.

Question 16

Why are weight bearing exercises important in the management of osteoporosis?

Answer 16

The best exercise for your bones as they force your body to work against gravity eg. running, jogging and hiking.

Question 17

Why should someone who suffers with osteoporosis maintain a healthy weight?

Answer 17

Being underweight can increase your risk of bone fractures.