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Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the loss of the normal density of bone, resulting in fragile bone. Osteoporosis leads to literally abnormally porous bone that is more compressible like a sponge, than dense like a brick. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone causing an increase in the risk for breaking bones (bone fracture).
Normal bone is composed of protein, collagen, and calcium all of which give bone its strength. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can break (fracture) with relatively minor injury that normally would not cause a bone fracture. The fracture can be either in the form of cracking (as in a hip fracture), or collapsing (as in a compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine). The spine, hips, and wrists are common areas of bone fractures from osteoporosis, although osteoporosis-related fractures can also occur in almost any skeletal bone.
Risk Factors Several groups of children and adolescents are at risk for poor bone health, including:
• Premature infants and infants with low birth weight who have lower than expected bone mass in the first few months of life.
• Children who take medications such as steroids to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma.
• Children who have cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. These conditions make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients appropriately.
• Adolescent girls who have minimal, delayed or irregular menstrual cycles because of strenuous athletic training, emotional stress, or low body weight.
• Children with cerebral palsy and other conditions that place limits on physical activity, especially those who take chronic medications for seizure control.
Prevention:
Normal bone is composed of protein, collagen, and calcium all of which give bone its strength. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can break (fracture) with relatively minor injury that normally would not cause a bone fracture. The fracture can be either in the form of cracking (as in a hip fracture), or collapsing (as in a compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine). The spine, hips, and wrists are common areas of bone fractures from osteoporosis, although osteoporosis-related fractures can also occur in almost any skeletal bone.
Risk Factors Several groups of children and adolescents are at risk for poor bone health, including:
• Premature infants and infants with low birth weight who have lower than expected bone mass in the first few months of life.
• Children who take medications such as steroids to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma.
• Children who have cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. These conditions make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients appropriately.
• Adolescent girls who have minimal, delayed or irregular menstrual cycles because of strenuous athletic training, emotional stress, or low body weight.
• Children with cerebral palsy and other conditions that place limits on physical activity, especially those who take chronic medications for seizure control.
Prevention:
Many more studies are needed on ways to maximize peak bone mass in girls and boys. Parents and children alike can benefit from following these suggestions:
• Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D throughout your life.
• Exercise regularly, using resistance and high-impact activities.
• Eat a healthy diet and follow a healthy lifestyle.
• Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D throughout your life.
• Exercise regularly, using resistance and high-impact activities.
• Eat a healthy diet and follow a healthy lifestyle.
reading reference : http://www.medicinenet.com/osteoporosis/article.htm
