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| Bone Health |
| To meet the needs of a vibrant and aging population, we feel it is
important to offer bone density testing in our office. Menopause is associated
with a significant increase in bone loss. For that reason, it is important to
evaluate, prevent, and treat the onset of osteoporosis.
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| Osteoporosis and
Osteopenia |
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Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens bones, causing them to be
brittle and prone to fracture. Osteopenia is a condition where the bones have
weakened but not to the degree of osteoporosis.
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| Maintaining Bone Health |
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Exercise and a healthy diet are essential for protecting your bones. Ideally,
women in good health should include weight bearing exercises such as lifting
weights, walking or running in their daily routines. A healthy diet that
includes calcium rich foods like green- leafy vegetables and dairy products is
important for all women. Calcium supplements of 600 mg twice a day are advised
for women after menopause. Women who are over 40 years of age and not
menopausal should take 600 mg per day of calcium. Calcium supplementation may
not be right for all individuals, like those who suffer from kidney stones. If
you have any concerns about supplementation we suggest you consult your doctor.
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| Lifetime Risks |
| Some experts believe that beginning at age 50, a woman has nearly a 2 in 5
chance of developing an osteoporotic fracture during her lifetime. Women who
develop a hip fracture are at a significant risk to die within one year.
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| Risk Factors for
Osteoporosis |
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Family history of osteoporotic fractures in first degree relative
(parents or siblings)
Menopausal women not taking hormones
Personal history of fracture as an adult
Weight of less than 127 pounds
Tobacco use
Alcohol abuse
Sedentary lifestyle
Lifelong low calcium intake
Menopause prior to 45 years old
Poor general health
Long term use of cortisone, heparin, lithium
People prone to falls
People with impaired vision
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| Screening for
Osteoporosis |
| The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends
screening for anyone over 65 years of age or those menopausal women under 65
with at least one risk factor listed above.
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| Screening Method |
| The best test for bone density is a DEXA scan of the hip and spine.
This is a painless procedure we offer at our Suburban office location. No
special preparation is needed, and the test itself takes about 20 minutes.
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| Things to know about
your DEXA scan |
| Stop calcium supplements for 48 hours before the scan, they can be
seen on the test and impact your results.
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Wear comfortable clothing.
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Remind us if you have had any back or hip surgery, as that may affect your
test.
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