Osteoporosis & Bone Density Scan

Osteoporosis is the end result of severe prolonged bone loss. It is a disorder of bone metabolism that causes a loss of bone mass from the skeleton. About 25 million Americans have it with the cost of medical care about 10 billion/annually. Numerous research studies have shown that dietary and lifestyle changes can prevent and treat osteoporosis. Building peak bone mass with adequate calcium intake prior to menopause is crucial to avoiding significant loss during menopause. But post-menopausal woman are NOT the only ones at risk. Both men and women can develop bone density problems and since it is a preventable disease you need to know what to do and avoid for optimum bone health.

A bone mineral density test (BMD), a non-invasive and painless test, is your first step and best way to determine your bone health. BMD tests can identify osteoporosis, determine your risk for fractures and monitor your response to an osteoporosis treatment program.

Did you know that most die within one year of a hip fracture? The machine used in our clinic, a Dexa Peripheral Densitometer, is 10% more accurate in determining your overall risk of developing osteoporosis than axial systems (those measuring the spine and hip) according to recent studies, and at one third the cost are much more affordable. It measures the density at the wrist which requires no disrobing, uses much less radiation (less than dental x-rays) and takes only three minutes. The test is 99% precise, more than 97% accurate and 100% reproducible.

In addition to the T-score based upon the World Health Organization Guidelines, this system provides a region of interest score if you fall into the low bone density range known as osteopenia or osteoporosis. This score is an absolute baseline number that enables you to quantifiably measure the effectiveness of any treatment regimen you may initiate. This number will detect a change in bone density in as little as 6-9 months which the axial systems are incapable of.

Prevention:

• Avoid excess protein i.e. average 50-63 grams per day
• Reduce or preferably eliminate caffeine, especially coffee
• Reduce sugar (Simple sugars cause excretion of calcium in the urine (the average American consumes 150 grams a day)
• Reduce alcohol consumption
• Stay active, especially weight bearing exercise
• Quit smoking
• Consume more soy products
• Increase calcium and other minerals
• Consume magnesium rich foods i.e. brown rice, buckwheat, corn, dark green vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grain cereals
• Soda should be avoided since the phosphoric acid causes the body to break down bone to release calcium into the blood. The phosphorous also suppresses vitamin D which is needed for absorption of calcium.

Call to schedule your Bone Density Scan today -
778-8888

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