Osteoporosis
is a disease that causes the loss of bone tissue resulting in bones
that are brittle and break easily making it difficult to carry on
the everyday activities of life. It affects about half of all women
over the age of 50. Factors that may increase a woman’s risk
for osteoporosis include: inactivity, calcium deficient diet, heredity,
reduced estrogen levels (caused by removal of the ovaries and/or menopause),
smoking and caffeine and alcohol consumption Symptoms include: lower
back pain, gradual height loss, rounded shoulders, stooped posture
and bone fractures. Although bone loss is a normal part of the aging
process, post-menopausal women are at particular risk for the significant
loss brought about by Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is
a disease that is preventable and treatable if detected early. To
prevent the onset of this disease, doctors recommend that women participate
in a regular exercise routine; avoid foods containing excessive amounts
of fat and sugars along with processed meats and cheeses; avoid cigarettes,
alcohol, soft drinks and caffeine and get plenty of calcium.
In the case of
osteoporosis, early detection can play a vital role in the treatment
of this disease. Memorial Medical Center is proud to offer our patients
the latest in bone densitometry. Our state-of-the-art bone densitometer
will measure your bone mineral density (BMD) and compare your measurements
to a reference population based on your age, weight, sex and ethnic
background. This information will be used by your physician in making
a diagnosis about your bone status and fracture risk.
Measurements take
approximately two to fifteen minutes, depending on the amount of measurement
to be taken. It involves an extremely small dose of radiation (less
then one-tenth the dosage of a chest x-ray) and no special preparation
is required such as special clothing or diet restrictions.
