AboutMargot RN BScN GNC Expertise GERONTOLOGY (NURSING ISSUES RELATED TO THE ELDERY) I have 15+ years experience working with the elderly. I would be pleased to offer any assistance I can. My areas of expertise include: Gerontology / Geriatrics, Long Term Care, Community Nursing, Palliative Care, Private Nursing Services, Intermediate / Extended Care. I also have a personal interest in Homeopathic and Eastern Medicine. If I can not answer your question I`ll do my best to direct you to an appropriate resource. Thank you.
Experience I have fifteen years experience in Gerontological Nursing both in the community, and in Long Term Care. I have worked as a General Duty Nurse, a Nurse Manager, and a Nursing Consultant in Long Term Care and Community Nursing.I have a great deal of experience working with, assessing, and educating in the field of Gerontology (Nursing the Elderly). I am familiar with the challenges associated with Dementia (Alzheimer's), Chronic and Terminal illnesses, and the stresses of residential homes Experience in the area 20 years of Long Term Care and Community Nursing, specialising in Geriatrics, Gerontology and PalliativeCare.
Education/Credentials Registered Nurse , Certified Gerontological Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Question Could you please tell me whether the chances of a person getting osteoporosis is greater if his parent(s) had osteoporosis? Thank you. Al Brown
No single cause for osteoporosis has been identified. However, certain factors seem to play a role in the development of osteoporosis. We call these factors "risk factors" because each factor influences our risk of developing the disease. Several of these factors have been shown to be stronger predictors of bone loss than others and are therefore considered major risk factors. Other conditions that may also lead to bone loss are considered minor risk factors. OC recommends that all postmenopausal women and men over 50, and all individuals over the age of 65 be assessed for the presence of risk factors for osteoporosis.
Major risk factors
•Age 65 or older
•Vertebral compression fracture
•Fracture with minimal trauma after age 40
•Family history of osteoporotic fracture (especially if your mother had a hip fracture)
•Long-term (more than 5 months continuously) use of glucocorticoid therapy such as prednisone
•Medical conditions (such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease) that inhibit absorption of nutrients
•Primary hyperparathyroidism
•Tendency to fall
•Osteopenia apparent on x-ray
•Hypogonadism (low testosterone in men, loss of menstrual periods in younger women)
•Early menopause (before age 45)
Minor risk factors
•Rheumatoid arthritis
•Hyperthyroidism
•Prolonged use of anticonvulsants
•Prolonged heparin use
•Body weight less than 57 kg (125 lbs.)
•If your present weight is more than 10% below your weight at age 25
•Low calcium intake
•Excess caffeine (consistently more than 4 cups a day of coffee, cola or some energy drinks)
•Excess alcohol (consistently more than 2 drinks a day)
•Smoker
Because the main health implication of osteoporosis is the increased possibility of fracture, OC recommends that you also consider your risk factors for fracture.
Key risk factors for fracture
•Low bone mineral density (BMD)
•Prior fragility (low-trauma) fracture
•Long-term (more than 3 months continuously) use of glucocorticoid therapy such as prednisone
•Age the risk of fracture increases with age
•Family history of osteoporotic fracture
Risk factors are additive, meaning that the more risk factors you have, the greater your risk of developing osteoporosis. If you are over 50 and have at least one of the major risk factors or two or more of the minor risk factors, OC recommends that you talk to your physician about being tested for osteoporosis.
Furthermore, assessing your risk factors can help you identify those that you can change. Some of these factors are a result of heredity; others are lifestyle factors. By making changes in your lifestyle, you are doing something to improve your bone health and lower your risk of developing osteoporosis.
