Women encouraged to have bone density screening

In recognition of World Osteoporosis Day on Tuesday, Oct. 20, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese is encouraging all women to have a DEXA bone density exam.

Osteoporosis is often called the “silent thief” because it robs bones of strength without the patient’s knowledge. The DEXA bone density exam can recognize the disease in its early stages when help may be available to maintain bone mass, prevent bone loss and reduce fracture risk.

Hospital staff certified by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry perform the exams. Certification requires the medical professional to complete coursework, receive a passing score on scans submitted for review and complete at least 100 exams before seeking certification.         

The hospital uses a Hologic 4500 SL Bone Densitometer with lateral spine screening for the exams. This type of scanning eliminates artifacts such as aortic and spine calcification associated with conventional bone density exams and is more accurate at determining early bone loss.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends a bone density exam for any woman with one or more risk factors.

Risk factors include being older and female, Caucasian or Asian (although all women are at risk) and/or small-boned and weighing less than 127 pounds; having a family or personal history of fractures, one or more chronic diseases and/or normal or early menopause; using certain medications, tobacco and/or alcohol; receiving inadequate calcium; and getting little or no weight-bearing exercise.

The NOF additionally recommends a bone density test for all women 65 years old and over regardless of risk factors, post-menopausal women who exhibit fractures and women who have been on hormone therapy. Menopausal women are especially susceptible to the disease.

A physician’s order is required; appointments are requested. For an appointment, call 526-5396. For more information, contact your physician or Medical Imaging at 526-5458.