1. Anaemia, Osteoporosis & Dental Decay

2. ANAEMIA Haemoglobin – Protein that carries oxygen in blood. Located in Red Blood Cells (RBC). Anaemia – inadequate level of RBC’s or haemoglobin.

3. Anaemia - Symptoms Pale skin (RBC’s give skin it’s pigment, or colour). Breathlessness (your body trying to take in more oxygen because your cells aren’t getting enough). Headaches ( no oxygen in brain) Drop in blood pressure (heart not pumping as hard – needs oxygen)

4. Anaemia – two types. Iron deficiency anaemia – Iron is an essential component of haemoglobin. No iron, no haemoglobin, no oxygen – anaemia.

5. Folate deficiency anaemia Folate is important at all stages of development, as it helps produce DNA, which is used to construct every cell in our body. Less folate, less RBC’s being produced, less oxygen carrying capacity – anaemia.

6. Causes and preventions Causes Not enough iron or folate. Prevention Eat iron and folate! Iron – found in (p57) Folate – found in (p59) Vitamin C also aids in absorption of iron.

7. OSTEOPOROSIS “Pregressive degeneration of structure, density and strength of bones. Osteo = bone porosis = porous (has holes in it)

8. Peak bone mass. Heaviest and strongest our bones get. Increases through childhood and puberty. Peak bone mass occurs at around 30. Decreases for rest of life. It is important to note that osteoporosis is not necessarily avoidable. It is inevitable that our bones will get weaker, but we are in control of how much this will happen.

9. Causes Lack of protein or calcium. Much of the body’s calcium is locked up in bones. If we run out, where do you think it gets it from? Too much sodium. Sodium and calcium are transported by the body in the same way. If you consume high amounts of calcium and sodium at the same time, much of the calcium will be excreted. Diuretics – (makes you wee) like alcohol & caffeine.

10. Prevention Eat calcium regularly. Calcium is a very important mineral and gets used every day. So, if we are not getting it every day, we will take it from our bones.

11. DENTAL DECAY Teeth have a protective layer called ‘enamel’. If food matter (plaque) stays in our mouth, it carries bacteria. The bacteria combine which sugar and starch molecules in the food to eat away at the enamel until they are removed.

12. Causes Dental decay required three things – bacteria, sugar and a vulnerable tooth surface. High sugar foods provide the bacteria with the chemicals they need to function. Not brushing, flossing or using mouthwash allows these bacteria to remain on the mouth.

13. Prevention Eat lots of calcium – makes teeth and enamel harder and stronger. Dairy foods contain proteins that form a coating on tooth enamel and stimulates saliva production, which washes away bacteria. Drink water – washes bacreria away. Chewing food more/chewing sugarless gum – more saliva. Don’t eat lots of sugar. BRUSH YOUR TEETH.