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Osteoporosis
Center
Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis?
Even if you feel healthy, you may still have osteoporosis. Before
it takes you by surprise, talk with your doctor. If you have one
or more of these risk factors, you may be susceptible to osteoporosis.
- Age (past 50)
- Caucasian or Asian descent
- Previous bone fracture
- Menopause
- Certain medications (steroids, seizure medications)
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Thin or small build
- Diet low in calcium
- Anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- Lack of exercise
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
While these factors can help determine if you are at risk for
osteoporosis, the only way to know is through bone density testing.
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Services Provided
We use dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure bone
mineral density. This is a painless, noninvasive procedure similar
to an x-ray. A moveable arm passes over the area to be tested,
which may include your hip, spine or forearm. The test is completed
in a matter of minutes and radiation exposure is minimal. A questionnaire
identifying risk factors is completed before the test. The physician
will use the responses to your questionnaire along with the results
of the DXA test to provide a report to your doctor. This report
is forwarded to your doctor for him or her to review with you.
Bone density tests are the best way to measure the density of
bones. They can help your doctor diagnose osteoporosis, particularly
in the early stages before broken bones occur. And when tests
are repeated over time, they can help track any further bone loss
or measure response to treatment.
If you have been scheduled for a DXA bone density test at our
facility, please print and complete the Bone
Density Questionnaire and bring it to your appointment.
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