Osteoporosis is a widespread skeletal disease distinguished by reduced bone strength and quality. The disease increases the likelihood of bone fractures in the patients. Even though men do get the disease, 80% of those suffering from the illness are women (Compston & Rosen, 2009). Other factors that may increase the chances of developing this disease include family backgrounds, individual habits, and medical history (Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Chronic Back Conditions, 2013). In the United States, it is approximated that 8 million women are ill and another 15 million women are at under the threat of contracting the disease. Women are at a greater risk of getting the disease because they have weaker bones compared to men. Similarly, the loss of estrogen at menopause hastens bone loss in women increasing the chances of developing the disease. This paper analyses women’s issues in my community with regard to osteoporosis.
In my community, it is estimated that up to 200,000 people suffer from the disease. Similar to the national statistics, a majority of those affected are women. In the community, one in two women aged above 50 years suffers from osteoporosis related issues. According to the same results, a 50-year-old woman has a 14 % chance of fracturing her rip in the better part of her life, and 90% of all hip fissures are associated with osteoporosis. Equally, one in every six women will succumb to the disease within the next one year.
According to our community nurses, Caucasian and Asian American women have a higher risk of developing the disease compared to black and Hispanic women. The nurses assert that with each passing year, the number of those diagnosed with osteoporosis increases. They allege that up to 65% of those diagnosed with the disease do not return for a follow up check up. It is approximated that the US government will spent over $475 billion in the next two decades treating the disease (Andersson, 2008). This implies that the disease poses serious financial constraints to the state and the victims. Other than financial constraints, the disease causes suffering, loss of time, and loss of labor.
In my community, the average expectancy of an individual living with the disease is 75 years. Women suffering from the disease live longer than the men do. According to the community nurses, the risk aspects associated with the disease are low calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, family history, and racial and ethnic background.
Those at risk of developing the disease may not be able to change their racial, family, or ethnic background. However, they can be able to change their lifestyle habits. In our community, individuals are advised on how smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol increase their risk of developing osteoporosis. Community nurses allege that smoking women have decreased levels of estrogen, and absorb calcium poorly increasing their chances of developing the disease. It is alleged that moderate drinking is good for bone development, however excessive drinking is bad for the bones. Equally, excessive drinking among the elderly is the leading cause of bone fracture due to falling.
In the US, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) must approve the drugs used in the treatment of Osteoporosis. The drugs protect and enhance bone mass and quality lessening the threat of fractures. Drugs now accepted for the cure of the disease are bisphosphonates and teriparatide.
References
Andersson, G. (2008). The burden of musculoskeletal diseases in the United States: prevalence, societal and economic cost.. Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Chronic Back Conditions. (2013, April 10). – Healthy People. Web.
Compston, J. E., & Rosen, C. J. (2009). Osteoporosis (6th ed.). Abingdon: Health Press.