Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a significant health problem in our population (National Institute of Health). Osteoporosis is a crippling disease in which bones become fragile and are more likely to fracture (break). The individuals at risk for bone fracture need to be identified. Early detection of osteoporosis can be determined through bone density assessment screening tests.

"There are 10 million people diagnosed with osteoporosis. There are 34 million more people at risk (osteopenia). Individuals with osteoporosis have a 5 to 7 fold increased risk for bone fracture within the next year. Each year this disease leads to 1.5 million new fractures, mostly of the spine, hip and wrist. The cost of inpatient care alone for the treatment of osteoporotic fracture is 10 to 15 million dollars annually" (National Osteoporosis Foundation and National Institute of Health).

Eighty percent of those affected by osteoporosis are women. However, there are many risk factors that put individuals at risk. Osteoporosis is not just a disease of older women. With certain risk factors and underlying conditions, younger people and men have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Common risk factors include:

• History of fracture as an adult or history of fracture in family.
• Body weight less than 127 lbs. and a small boned frame.
• Female gender, Caucasian or Asian ethnicity.
• Smoking, estrogen deficiency, alcoholism, inadequate exercise.
• Thyroid disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases, connective tissue diseases, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (steroid medications taken for at least 2 consecutive months) (National Osteoporosis Foundation and Advance for Physician Assistants).

"Your Health Matters" can screen you for osteoporosis risk. Ultrasound measurements of the heel bone (Calcaneus) are used to predict spinal and hip fracture risk. If you have any of the risk factors mentioned above, please consider having this simple ultrasound screening test. The test is easy, takes little time and is offered at a very reasonable cost.

Examination time: 10 minutes, Cost: $15.00