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What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by low bone density. This means that you have less bone mass than when you were younger. As a result of low bone density, bones become brittle, weak and more likely to fracture. Depending on its severity, osteoporosis may be accompanied by symptoms of back pain, decreased height, stooped posture and broken bones. Osteoporosis affects 25 million Americans, 80% of whom are women. It is often called "the silent condition" because you do not know you have the condition until the first fracture occurs.
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Why is it a concern to Women?
The reason that so many women are affected by osteoporosis is because menopause is the single most important cause of the disease. At menopause, your body loses estrogen. Throughout life, estrogen plays a significant role in maintaining bone strength. With a decrease in estrogen levels, your bone breaks down more rapidly than it is reformed. In the first 5 to 7 years of menopause, a woman can lose 20% of her bone mass.
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Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis include:
- Age
- Being menopausal/postmenopausal
- Family History of osteoporosis
- A thin or small body frame
- Being Caucasian or Asian
- Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
- Excessive intake of alcohol and/or caffeine
- Lack of exercise or activity
- Cigarette smoking
- A diet low in calcium
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How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?
It is possible to detect low bone mass through special measurement tests called densitometry. Bone density testing can be measured from various places through the body, such as the hip, the spine, the forearm, the ankle or the whole body. A bone density test can identify individuals with low bone mass and predict the likelihood of future fractures. The test is safe and painless and takes just a few minutes.
A bone density test uses x-ray technology, applying x-rays only to the scan site itself. The radiation dose is very low and is confined to a small area. The amount of radiation from a typical bone density test is only a fraction of that received from other x-ray procedures. The radiation levels are so minimal that no external shielding is required. The dose is safe to both the patient and the technologist performing the test.
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Am I at Risk?
Answering these questions will assist you in evaluating your personal risk for osteoporosis. If your final score is 6 or greater you should be evaluated further for osteoporosis. Please contact your physician to discuss your concerns and to evaluate your need for further testing.
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How Can I Arrange to have a Bone Density Test?
We now have the capability in our office to screen for osteoporosis to determine the health of your bones. The unit measures the bone mineral in your dominant ankle through x-ray technology.
Based on the results of this screening test, our physicians can assess your risk of bone fracture and advise you on further testing and treatment, if required. Please call our office at 273-8835 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers to evaluate your risk and to answer any questions you may have.
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Will my Insurance Company pay for my scan?
In July of 1998, Medicare guidelines were expanded to cover additional risk factors for the diagnosis and screening for osteoporosis. Therefore, many HMOs and private insurances now also cover the procedure.
Prior to having a scan in our office, our insurance department will check with your insurance company to determine whether or not your scan will be covered. We will notify as the their determination prior to your having the scan.
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How can I Protect Myself Against Osteoporosis?
- Osteoporosis can be prevented through diet, exercise and life-style changes.
- Eat a balanced diet with foods rich in calcium - Calcium Rich Foods Chart
- Exercise regularly – especially weight bearing exercise such as walking and bicycling
- Stop smoking
- Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol
A balanced diet rich in calcium may not be enough for postmenopausal women to prevent osteoporosis. In addition to behavioral changes, medical treatment may be necessary to help prevent or slow the process of bone loss, the most common of which is estrogen replacement therapy. If you are concerned that you might be at risk for osteoporosis based on your personal history, talk with your provider about estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen replacement therapy is widely used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
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To Learn More About Osteoporosis
For more information, contact your personal physician or contact The National Osteoporosis Foundation.
National Osteoporosis Foundation
Suite 500
11501 7th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036-4603
(202) 223-2226
www.nof.org
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