| Bone density has not been talked about very | | | | phosophoric acid from carbonated beverages, |
| much until the last 5-7 years. However, today | | | | have all been shown to decrease the calcium in |
| startling facts have come to light. One in 2 | | | | your bones. There is alot you can do to help |
| women, and one in 4 men,over the age of 50, will | | | | protect your bones and your health the natural |
| break a bone due to osteoporosis. Pretty scarey | | | | way. |
| when you see statistics like that. | | | | Your Dr. will next recommend that you have a |
| So, what is Osteoporosis and is it really such a big | | | | Bone Density Test. This a simple, painless |
| deal? Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease | | | | procedure usually performed in the X Ray |
| in which the density of the bone is decreased | | | | Department. It can help the Dr. diagnose |
| & the structural integrity of the bone is | | | | osteoporosis in the earliest stages. The test is a |
| impaired, thus making the bone more brittle. The | | | | major predictor of the strength of the bones and |
| cortex, or outer portion of the bone, becomes | | | | how they can withstand stresses. If your bone |
| thinner and more porous, thus making it more | | | | density is reduced by a significant amount then |
| prone to fractures. This disease affects 75 million | | | | you are considered to have osteoporosis. |
| people in the United States, Europe, and Japan. It | | | | The most common test to measure Bone |
| is known to cause at least 1.3 million fractures | | | | Density is called the DEXA Scan. It takes xrays |
| each year in the U.S. alone. Since the disease | | | | using a minimal amount of radiation, of the lower |
| often shows no symptoms, many people do not | | | | spine, hips and perhaps the hands and wrists. This |
| know they have it until they actually break a | | | | test compares your bone density levels to those |
| bone. | | | | of a healty young adult. Anything above a Minus 1 |
| Now, that we see how important bone density is | | | | is considered normal bone density. For those |
| to our health, just what can we do to protect our | | | | within the -1 to -2.5, you are depleting your bone |
| bone health or even improve it? You should start | | | | mass. Below the 2.5 level you are considered to |
| with a sit down visit to your physician. They will | | | | have osteoporosis. Doctors recommend all |
| begin by taking a look at your diet and your | | | | women over the age of 60 to have a DEXA |
| lifestyle. A good healthy diet with adequate | | | | scan, and all men over 70. The disease is |
| calcium and Vitamin D can help to keep your | | | | especially prevalent in this age group. Some |
| bones strong. Bones store extra calcium for basic | | | | younger patients with a family history of |
| body functions. However, when we don't get | | | | osteoporosis may need to followed closely and |
| enough calcium our body robs our bones of this | | | | have a DEXA scan sooner. |
| calcium and it makes our bones weaker. Talk | | | | For patients who are diagnosed with Osteoporosis |
| honestly to your Doctor about your diet and | | | | there are many options for treatment. There are |
| possible calcium supplements. You should also think | | | | several medications on the market that have |
| about increasing your activity level. Exercise, | | | | proven very effective in combating the disease. |
| especially weight bearing exercise, is proven to | | | | Also, there is more information than ever out |
| increase your bone strength and bone density. It | | | | there regarding better diets, different exercise |
| can also help your muscle strength which takes | | | | methods, etc. All these things are vitally important |
| pressure off your bones. Another important fact; | | | | in helping you to stay healthy and protect your |
| Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and also | | | | bone density. |