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Osteoporosis Research Paper

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Chronic diseases are long-term diseases that are often preventable and not contagious. A nutrition related chronic disease is diet related however, other there are other systemic factors that can contribute to these diseases. These include obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects millions of people around the world. This disease leads to fragile bones and an increased risk of bone fractures. 1 in 2 women, and 1 in 4 men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can occur in men and women and at any age, but it is more common in older women. Small framed, thin women are at a greater risk. And more white and Asian women are affected than black or Hispanic …show more content…

Some of the factors are uncontrollable, however many of the risk factors are controllable, meaning that lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of this disease. Risk factors that one cannot control include being over 50 years old, having a low body weight, being female, menopause, family history of osteoporosis, or a history of broken bones or height loss. Controllable, or modifiable, risk factors include not getting enough calcium or vitamin D, not eating enough fruits and vegetables, consuming too much protein, sodium, or caffeine, having an inactive lifestyle, smoking or alcohol use, and excessive weight …show more content…

These include eating a diet with enough calcium and vitamin D. Good food sources of these nutrients include: milk, yogurt and cheeses, sardines, greens, soy foods, such as tofu or soymilk, salmon, and nuts and seeds. Weight bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, hiking, stair climbing, dancing, etc., help keep bones strong. Smoking and regular alcohol use is bad for bones as well as many other parts of the body, therefore avoiding these items will help in keeping bones healthy. In some cases medications may be needed to help slow the deterioration of bones and/or to encourage bone growth. Doctors may also recommend a person with osteoporosis take calcium and Vitamin D supplement if these nutrients are lacking. Hormone replacement may also be prescribed if the osteoporosis is believed to be related to decreased estrogen in women or decreased testosterone in men. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is an organization dedicated to preventing osteoporosis, promoting strong bones, and reducing human suffering through education, advocacy and research. The goal of NOF is to establish an excellent standard of care for anyone affected by osteoporosis. They also aim to advance prevention strategies to eliminate osteoporosis in the future. The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s website, found at nof.org, provides and online

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