Osteoporosis refers to a condition denoted by a decline in the mass of the bones and firmness hence causing the bones vulnerable to break. It makes the bones more rigid in a way that minor mistakes cause the bones to break. The risk of having osteoporosis increases with age for both men and women hence affecting their lives (Kling et al., 2014). This paper covers the risk factors of osteoporosis and what the nurses can do to help patients restore their optimal health.
Risk Factors
A number of risk factors lead to osteoporosis. Smoking cigarettes is one factor that increases the possibility of getting osteoporosis. It lowers the supply of blood in the body and many other body tissues. Tobacco in cigarettes draws out the foliation of the cells that produce tissues and lowering the body's immersion of calcium, which improves the bones' health. Vitamin D deficiency is another major cause of osteoporosis. When the body lacks vitamin D, it cannot absorb enough calcium to prevent osteoporosis; this deficiency can lead to intestinal absorption of the vitamins (Pouresmaeili et al., 2018). Certain medications, like steroids, often weakens the bones. According to Mayo Clinic (2019), usage of these medications for a long time and at high doses increases the threats to the bones.
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Role of Nurses
Nurses play a vital role in managing the health conditions of the patients. Nurses can assimilate simple questions to standard patient assessments to detect the condition early (Radziunas, 2006) . N urses can also facilitate counseling and teach patients about bone health and how to live a healthy way of life. Nurses should encourage people to exercise to manage their weight and encourage patients to persevere with their medications.
Conclusion
Osteoporosis refers to a condition denoted by weak bones that can break easily. Smoking cigarettes, poor nutrition, and gender are major risk factors for osteoporosis. Nurses play an integral role in helping osteoporosis patients, such as educating them about risk factors. Medical practitioners should encourage positive living in patients to reduce the chances of getting osteoporosis.
References
Kling, J. M., Clarke, B. L., & Sandhu, N. P. (2014). Osteoporosis Prevention, Screening, and Treatment: A Review. Journal of Women's Health, 23 (7), 563-572. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4611
Mayo Clinic . (2019, June 19). Retrieved from Patient Care and Health Information Website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968
Pouresmaeili, F., Kamalidehghan, B., Kamarehei, M., & Goh, Y. M. (2018). A comprehensive overview on osteoporosis and its risk factors. 14 , 2029-2049. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S138000
Radziunas, I. (2006, June 30). International Osteoporosis Foundation . Retrieved from International Osteoporosis Foundation Website: https://www.iofbonehealth.org/role-nurses-osteoporosis#:~:text=Where%20resources%20exist%2C%20an%20interdisciplinary,)%2C%20working%20with%20the%20physician.
