| Doesn't it seem that lately doctors have increased | | | | painless. In fact, it has become common for |
| their recommendation for medical tests? Well, there's | | | | pharmacies and health fairs to offer bone density |
| a good and bad to this story. I always believed it's | | | | screening. In other words, there's no reason not to |
| better to be safe than sorry. A doctor with good | | | | have your bone density checked. |
| diagnostic skills will also suggest taking additional tests | | | | When you complete a bone density test, your |
| to detect unseen medical problems. Of course there's | | | | doctor (or the person doing the test) will give you |
| always a few who like to add revenue to their | | | | your results in the form of a T-score. If your T-score |
| bottom line. | | | | is above -1 then your bones are normal, healthy, and |
| But for the most part screening tests are important | | | | strong. If your score is between -1 and -2.5, then |
| medical tools. Starting in your 30s, your doctor will | | | | your bones are beginning to thin and you are at risk |
| begin checking your cholesterol levels regularly. Then | | | | of osteoporosis. A score lower than -2.5 indicates |
| in your 40s, if you're a woman, your doctor will | | | | that you already have osteoporosis. |
| recommend regular mammograms. And if your man | | | | When You Should Have an Early Bone Density Test |
| into your 40s, I'm sure your have a routine prostate | | | | The standard guideline for when to get your first |
| check up. And when you reach your 50's, your | | | | bone density test is age 65. However, there are |
| doctor will start keeping a closer eye on the health | | | | circumstances in which I recommend that you get a |
| of your colon. | | | | bone density test at age 60 or even earlier. This is |
| There are many tests done to ensure you stay | | | | when you have known risk factors for osteoporosis. |
| healthy but have you had your bone density checked | | | | Early intervention-often through diet and exercise-can |
| lately? If you are 65 or over, a test of your bone | | | | help slow down or even prevent bone loss. Early |
| density is also important. It can help you recognize a | | | | detection of osteoporosis is also important-knowing |
| problem with your bones early on, and that can help | | | | your condition will make it easier for you to take |
| you take steps to keep your bones strong. | | | | steps to prevent fractures. |
| A Simple, Painless Test | | | | If you have any of the following risk factors, please |
| When taking a bone density measurement, you | | | | get an early bone density test: |
| doctor will use x-rays to measure the mineral density | | | | Family history of osteoporosis |
| of a segment of bone. The doctor looks to see if | | | | Personal history of fractures |
| enough calcium and other minerals are in that | | | | A body weight under 127 pounds |
| segment of bone to ensure strong, healthy bones. | | | | Early menopause |
| Usually a bone density test is taken of the bones | | | | Thyriod disease requiring treatment with synthroid or |
| that are most likely to become thin and break easily. | | | | other thyroid replacement hormones |
| The lumbar vertebrae of the lower spine, the upper | | | | Rheumatoid arthritis requiring treatment with |
| section of the femur, and the bones of the forearm | | | | glucocorticoid drugs |
| and wrist are the most common places for a bone | | | | Osteoporosis can be a potentially devastating, even |
| density test. | | | | life-threatening disease. By getting a bone density |
| The test is fast and easy. You don't have do | | | | test at the right time, you help make sure your |
| anything to prepare for it. And the test is completely | | | | bones stay healthy and strong for a lifetime. |