Chronic Disease Risk Assessment Sci 162

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Chronic Disease Risk Assessment SCI 162 The observance of frail, fragile elderly women everyday suffering from pain and crippled because of a disease that has destroyed their bones is what lead me to choose osteoporosis for the chronic disease risk assessment. Osteoporosis is a systemic (affecting an entire system) disease of the skeleton. Osteoporosis is identified as a chronic disease which is a long lasting illness that can be treated, but not necessarily cured. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle. The deterioration of bone mass, structure, and bone tissue are characteristics of Osteoporosis, which means "porous bone". Like many diseases an individual may not be aware that they have the disease because it shows no symptoms at first (a silent disease). Gradually over time and unnoticed the bones weaken, loose their density and mass. The bones can become so thin that the slightest bump or fall can cause fractures. The bones can also become so brittle that they will break first, potentially causing one to fall. The hip, wrist, and backbone (what supports the body), are the common bones effected. It is very common that the diagnosis of osteoporosis is not made until a person experiences the fall and fractures bones. There are some warning signs associated with osteoporosis such as a stooping, bent over posture or shrinking height. The aging process alone will cause bones to weaken; however, the causes of osteoporosis are more complex than just aging. The primary cause for osteoporosis is when calcium leaves the bones faster than it should. Calcium is a mineral that gives bones strength and determines the density in the bones. If the body is deficient in calcium it can deplete the calcium in the bones. It will tap into the bones and use the calcium for other uses. Bones are constantly growing and they change through out life.

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