Briefly explain osteoporosis, and identify preventive measures a person can take to reduce the risk of this condition

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone density that occurs during the bone remodeling process. The destruction of old bone exceeds the formation of new bone, so the bones become thin and brittle, increasing the probability of fractures. Estrogen stimulates bone formation; this hormone declines sharply after menopause, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis. There are several measures an individual can take to reduce his or her susceptibility to osteoporosis: (1 ) reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption (alcohol interferes with estrogen function); (2 ) stop smoking because smoking reduces estrogen levels; (3 ) consume calcium-rich foods, such as milk products, broccoli, spinach, shrimp, and soy products, to increase calcium levels in the body, which helps prevent bones from becoming thin; and (4 ) do weight-bearing exercise, which will stress the bones and cause them to thicken, thereby helping to prevent osteoporosis.