Prevention of osteoporosis: From infancy through older adulthood

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a worldwide health concern for individuals of all ethnic and racial groups. The number of individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis and the rate of osteoporotic fractures increases significantly with age. Some variation in the development of osteoporosis can also be related to gender and race, with both genetic and lifestyle factors influencing bone development. Both non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors have been identified as contributing to the development of osteoporosis. Modifiable risk factors are related to diet, smoking, alcohol use and activity level. By understanding the development of the skeletal system and the lifestyle choices that maximize bone development, the risk of development of osteoporosis can be minimized. Physical activity contributes to development of the skeletal system in all age and ethnic groups. Maintaining high levels of physical activity is important across the life span to increase the peak bone mass developed and optimize bone mass during the bone remodelling phases of older adulthood. Bone development and remodelling are influenced by the mechanical strain placed upon the bone during physical activity. By understanding how mechanical forces influence bone development, exercise programmes can be developed that will most effectively stimulate bone growth. The focus of this review will be to discuss factors influencing the life span development of the skeletal system, theoretical frameworks related to bone growth in response to mechanical forces, and the development of osteoporosis prevention programmes for individuals of all ages.

The Effect of Education Based on the Health Belief Model on Osteoporosis Prevention Behaviors in Female High School Students

“…Other possible complications include loss of height, kyphosis, negative body image, back pain, chronic pain syndrome, and increased mortality (3). Nevertheless, osteoporosis is a preventable disease, and primary prevention should begin as soon as possible because a rapid increase in bone density occurs at a young age (1,2,6).…”

Assessment of Hafr Albatin University female workers' knowledge and health related behaviors regarding osteoporosis

“…Osteoporosis is defined as a metabolic and skeletal disease characterized by decreased bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, causing bone fragility and increasing the risk of fracture. [1,2] Osteoporosis causes serious health and economic problems due to disability, poor quality of life, increased mortality and increased burden on the person, family and community due to and cost of treatment and disability. Osteoporosis affects mainly the older women, but the young women are also liable to develop this disease when exposed to risk factors.…”

Knowledge and Health Beliefs about Osteoporosis amongst 16-18 Year Old Students in Male in the Maldives

“…The lifetime risk for hip, forearm, or vertebral fractures is about 40%, comparable to the lifetime risk for heart disease [5]. An important strategy for preventing osteoporosis in older age is to maximise bone accrual during childhood and adolescence [6,7]. There is strong evidence that practicing appropriate bone health behaviours early in life contributes to both building and maintaining bone throughout life [6,7].…”