(a) What happens to the persons afflicted with osteoporosis ?
(b) At what age does osteoporosis strike severely ? Who are its major victims ?
(c) What is quite alarming about this disease ?
(d) How does it affect human body?
(e) How does 'Bone Mineral Density' (BMD) test prove useful ?
(f) Can we prevent osteoporosis ? How ?
What diet is recommended to the patients of this disease ?
(h) What is the aim of the writer in focusing our attention on osteoporosis ?
(i) Find the word in the paragraph 8 which means the same as 'needs'.
Space for Answers
ca.
Answers
a) The body reabsorbs more bone tissue and produces less to replace it. In people with osteoporosis, the bones become porous and weaker, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in the hip, spinal vertebrae, and some peripheral joints, such as the wrists.
b) This most often happens in children between ages 8 and 14. It sometimes develops in younger children during growth spurts. It's a serious problem, because it strikes when a child is still building up their bone strength. You build about 90% of your bone mass by the time you're 18 to 20.
c) Worldwide, osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, resulting in an osteoporotic fracture every 3 seconds.
d) Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine. Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced.
e) A bone mineral density (BMD) test measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an area of your bone. This test helps your health care provider detect osteoporosis and predict your risk for bone fractures.
f) Get enough calcium and vitamin D and eat a well balanced diet. Engage in regular exercise. Eat foods that are good for bone health, such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day.