 Osteoporosis affects millions of people in the United States each year. While women over the age of 50 are most at risk, men can also be affected by this progressive bone disease. Research has shown that up to 30% of all Caucasian women in the United States have osteoporosis, yet most of them go undiagnosed.
Why? Because osteoporosis is a silent disease that causes both a decrease in bone density and an increase in bone weakness throughout the body. It is this very weakness which causes many of the spinal and extremity fractures in men and women over the age of 50. Fortunately, osteoporosis can be detected early enough to help reduce devastating bone loss.
Muscatine Radiology encourages any patient over the age of 45 to come in for a preventative bone density screening. This precise imaging exam is fast, painless and effective in determining your bone density levels. Our physicians, together with your doctor, can help with the right steps to promote optimum bone health. Early detection is the best treatment, so ask your doctor about bone densitometry today.
Five important steps toward improving your bone health*
- Get your daily recommended doses of calcium and Vitamin D.
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
- Talk to your doctor about bone health.
- When appropriate, have a bone density test and take medication.
*Steps from the National Osteoporosis Foundation website at www.nof.org.
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