Osteoporosis and associatedd fractures can rob you of your mobility and your independence. Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces the strength of your bones, causing them to become brittle and prone to fractures. Approximatley 50% of women over the age of 50 and 25-30% of men over the age of 60 have osteoporosis and are at risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture. A woman's risk of hip fracture alone is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer - and up to 20% of women who suffer hip fracture dies within one year of the fracture.
Today there are a varity of effective ways to manage osteoporosis. Early detection using a done density test ( one of which is known as a DEXA) is the best way to protect yoursel from the debilitating effects of this all-too-common condition.
The bone density test is a simple, painless, non invasive procedure. You will be asked to lie perfectly still on a table while a movable arm passes over the area to be tested ( for example,arms, spine, or hips). Schedule your Bone Density Test Today by clicking on the appointment link below.
1. Are you past menopause?
2. Did or does your mother or sister have osteoporosis?
3. Have you broken a bone in your hip, wrist, or spine since the age of 50?
4. Do you smoke cigarettes, or have you been a regular cigarette smoker in the past?
5. Do you have a small, thin frame?
6. Are you Asian or Caucasian?
7. Do you currently take oral steroids, such as prednisone?
8. Does your daily diet include less than 200mg of calcium; which is equivalent of 1 quart of milk?
9. Do you do weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, fewer than 3-4 times a week?
10. Do you consume alcohol in more than moderate amounts?
The more “YES” answers, the grater your risk for fracture.
Please visit Valley Osteoporosis Center at 501 N. Ware Rd, McAllen, TX, an ask about getting a bone density test: a fast, simple, and painless way to determine how healthy your bones are. The results of this will help you and your health care professionals decide the best course of action to take.
To assess your risk for osteoporosis, fill out our Risk Factor Assessment Worksheet on the back cover.
The only sure way to know if your bones are healthy is to see your doctor. More and more patients are actively participating in discussions regarding their health care. Ask your doctor to review your answers on the Risk Factor Assessment Worksheet and then discuss your risk for osteoporosis.
Ask your doctor about getting a bone density test: a fast, simple, and painless way to determine how healthy your bones are. The results of this will help you and your health care professionals decide the best course of action to take.
Exercise and a diet rich in calcium and two positive steps that you, your friends and family can take to maintain healthy bones. What can be done if you or someone you know already has osteoporosis?Thanks to advances in medical science, osteoporosis is now a treatable disease.