Problem
Brenda Cook is a petite 54-year old Caucasian female. Brenda's 72-year old mother, Carla has developed a dowager's hump. Brenda's mother, Carla, recently was told that her x-rays showed several small stable vertebral fractures. Brenda also has an aunt Sally who is currently in the hospital for a hip fracture from a fall. Both relatives have been told that osteoporosis is the probable cause of their current medical issues. Brenda's health care provider has suggested that Brenda should have her risks for osteoporosis assessed. Brenda is not fond of milk or dairy products. She is glad that her kids are older now so that she doesn't have to keep milk in the house. Brenda has no other significant current medical history. You may suspect a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
• What risk factors can you identify for Brenda that support your suspected diagnosis of osteoporosis? Be specific.