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 Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease of the bone. Bone is living, growing tissue. Bone is made mostly of collagen, (a protein that provides the soft framework) and calcium phosphate, (the mineral that adds strength and hardens the soft framework). This combination of collagen and calcium makes bone strong, flexible and capable of withstanding stress. More than 99 percent of the body's calcium is contained in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1% is found in the blood.
Bone Remodeling
Throughout life, bone is constantly renewed through a process called remodeling. This process consists of two stages: resorption and formation. During resorption, old bone tissue is broken down and removed by special cells called osteoclasts. Once this has been done, bone formation begins and new bone tissue is laid down to replace the old. Special cells called osteoblasts perform this task. The functions of osteoclasts and osteoblasts are regulated by several hormones, such as estrogen in women and testosterone in men (although estrogen levels in men may also play a part in bone resorption and formation).
The Bone Bank Account
Think of bone as a bank account where you "deposit" and "withdraw" bone tissue. During childhood and the teenage years, new bone is added to the skeleton faster than old bone is removed. As a result, bones become larger, heavier, and denser. Bone formation continues at a faster pace than removal until peak bone mass (maximum bone density and strength) is reached by age 30. In order to make "deposits" of bone tissue and reach maximum peak bone mass, the body needs to get enough calcium, vitamin D and adequate physical activity. Other health behaviors such as moderating intakes of alcohol and not smoking are crucial as well.
After age 35, bone "withdrawals" begin to exceed "deposits." Osteoporosis develops when bone removal occurs too quickly or if replacement occurs too slowly. You are likely to develop osteoporosis if you did not reach your maximum peak bone mass during your bone building years.
Some Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
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Cigarette smoking accelerates bone loss
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Early menopause (before age 45)
-
Caucasian race or Asian ethnicity
-
Small body frame
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Family history of osteoporosis
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Certain medications (steroid medication, those prescribed due to organ transplants)
-
Certain conditions (malabsorption, history of an eating disorder)
 What can be done to prevent osteoporosis?
You can do several things to maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. In fact, just remember your ABCs.
-
A
void alcohol and smoking.
-
B
one Mineral Density Testing if you are at risk or 65 and older.
-
C
alcium intake of 1000 – 1300 mg every day, according to your age.
-
D
iet a healthy one that is rich in foods with Calcium and Vitamin D.
-
E
xercise, daily weight bearing exercise helps reduce bone mineral loss, and maintains good muscle tone and heart function.
-
F
or more information contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health Chronic Disease Nurse Consultants serving your county.
Bone Remodeling
Throughout life, bone is constantly renewed through a process called remodeling. This process consists of two stages: resorption and formation. During resorption, old bone tissue is broken down and removed by special cells called osteoclasts. Once this has been done, bone formation begins and new bone tissue is laid down to replace the old. Special cells called osteoblasts perform this task. The functions of osteoclasts and osteoblasts are regulated by several hormones, such as estrogen in women and testosterone in men (although estrogen levels in men may also play a part in bone resorption and formation).
The Bone Bank Account
Think of bone as a bank account where you "deposit" and "withdraw" bone tissue. During childhood and the teenage years, new bone is added to the skeleton faster than old bone is removed. As a result, bones become larger, heavier, and denser. Bone formation continues at a faster pace than removal until peak bone mass (maximum bone density and strength) is reached by age 30. In order to make "deposits" of bone tissue and reach maximum peak bone mass, the body needs to get enough calcium, vitamin D and adequate physical activity. Other health behaviors such as moderating intakes of alcohol and not smoking are crucial as well.
After age 35, bone "withdrawals" begin to exceed "deposits." Osteoporosis develops when bone removal occurs too quickly or if replacement occurs too slowly. You are likely to develop osteoporosis if you did not reach your maximum peak bone mass during your bone building years.
Some Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
-
Cigarette smoking accelerates bone loss
-
Early menopause (before age 45)
-
Caucasian race or Asian ethnicity
-
Small body frame
-
Family history of osteoporosis
-
Certain medications (steroid medication, those prescribed due to organ transplants)
-
Certain conditions (malabsorption, history of an eating disorder)
What can be done to prevent osteoporosis?
You can do several things to maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. In fact, just remember your ABCs.
-
A
void alcohol and smoking.
-
B
one Mineral Density Testing if you are at risk or 65 and older.
-
C
alcium intake of 1000 – 1300 mg every day, according to your age.
-
D
iet a healthy one that is rich in foods with Calcium and Vitamin D.
-
E
xercise, daily weight bearing exercise helps reduce bone mineral loss, and maintains good muscle tone and heart function.
-
F
or more information contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health Chronic Disease Nurse Consultants serving your county.
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