题型：阅读理解 题类：常考题 难易度：普通
吉林省舒兰市第一高级中学2017-2018学年高二上学期英语期中考试试卷
When we say older people shrink,we don't mean they become tiny enough to fit in your pocket!We just mean that it's common for older people to become a little shorter over time.This kind of shrinking can't be stopped, although people can slow this process.But why does shrinking happen at all?
Because of gravity,cushions between the bones in the spine（脊骨）get compressed（压缩）,which makes a person lose a little height and become shorter.
Another reason why some older people shrink is because of osteoporosis（骨质疏松）.Osteoporosis occurs when bone is broken down and not enough new bone material is made.Over time,bone is said to be lost.Bones become smaller and weaker and can easily break if someone with osteoporosis is injured.
Older people—especially women,who generally have smaller and lighter bones to begin with—are more likely to develop osteoporosis.As years go by,a person with osteoporosis can get small breaks in bones that are called compression fractures.These breaks cause collapse of the spine and over time the person with osteoporosis can become hunched over（驼背）.
Did you know that every day you shrink a little,too?You aren't as tall at the end of the day as you are at the beginning.That's because as the day goes on,water in the disks of the spine gets compressed due to gravity,making you just a tiny bit shorter.Don't worry,though.Once you get a good night's rest,your body recovers,and the next morning,you're standing tall again!
Smoking and drinking alcohol can make this problem worse.Want to do something right now to build strong bones?I believe what I say will help you.
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