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calcium-deficiency disorders

conditions caused by insufficient levels of calcium in the tissues. Absorption of calcium from food and its deposition in bone is facilitated by vitamin D, and deficiency of this vitamin is the usual cause of rickets, a disease of childhood marked by deformed bones and teeth and lax muscles, and osteomalacia, the adult form of rickets. Osteoporosis, in which the bones become brittle and break easily, is caused by resorption (loss) of calcified bone due to disease or aging (it is common in postmenopausal women). Tetany (muscle spasms) is due to a deficiency of calcium in the blood.

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Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

active therapy

active therapy

any form of psychotherapy in which the therapist assumes an active, directive role. An active therapist may express opinions, offer interpretations, make suggestions and recommendations, give advice about the client’s actions and decisions, issue injunctions and prohibitions, or urge the client to take a particular action, such as facing an anxiety-provoking situation directly.