Human Biology Project

Arthritis

What is arthritis? Arthritis related joint problems include pain, stiffness,

inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones, enabling them to glide against one another) and surrounding structures.

It belongs to one kind of Rheumatic disease.

Effects of arthritis Arthritis can lead to joint weakness, instability and

visible deformities that, depending on the location of joint involvement, can interfere with the most basic daily tasks like walking and climbing stairs.

Treatment on arthritis Research has shown that exercise is an essential tool

in managing arthritis.

-regular, moderate exercise offers a whole host of benefits to people with arthritis.Mainly, exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness, builds strong muscle around the joints, and increases flexibility and endurance.

-once you feel comfortable you can move on to weight training and endurance exercises such as bicycling.

-Research has shown several connections between food, nutritional supplements (vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids) and certain forms of arthritis or related conditions

How to prevent arthritis? Keep a suitable weight to reduce the

load of the joint If possible, try to use larger and stro

nger joint(arm) instead of small and weak joint(finger)

Do exercises regularly. Suggested by German and Italian sci

entists, white grape can help prevent arthritis

-it contains tyrosol and caffeic acid which can prevent oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions

Human Biology Project

Osteoporosis

The definition of osteoporosis

The decreased of bone mass

The disruption of bone

architecture The bones become fragile

•The comparison between normal bones and bones suffered from osteoporosis

The cause of osteoporosis The disorder of bone remodeling -the damage of bones is faster than the

formation of new bones

-the mass of bone is lowered

For women, after menopause, they

-lose bone calcium at a much faster rate due to the decrease in hormone - oestrogen

-oestrogen helps to absorb and slows down the excretion of calcium

Other common risk factors for

developing osteoporosis Family history of osteoporosis High consumption of alcohol or caffeine Cigarette smoking Low amount of calcium in diet Limited exposure to sunlight or insufficient vitamin D

intake Lack of weight-bearing exercises Some diseases such as thyroid disease,rheumatoid

arthritis and some diseases that interfere with the intestinal absorption of calcium

Treatment of osteoporosis By eating calcium and

vitamin D supplements -Calcium helps to keep bones

strong, which protects against breaking.

-Vitamin D supplements are helpful if a person does not absorb enough sunlight. These supplements enables the body to absorb more calcium

How to prevent osteoporosis? Eating a well-balanced diet, food rich in calcium and vitamin

D Avoid cigarette and alcohol Weight-bearing exercises and exercises such as walking,

dancing and back extension exercises can increase bone mass and strengthen muscles

In September 1999, the scientists of the University of Bern in Switzerland discovered that

-some food like onion and garlic can prevent the resorption of calcium - which can cause osteoporosis