Bone Health Clinic

Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease”. Both men and women are at risk for Osteoporosis. In fact, by the age of 65, men’s bone loss is equal to that of women, and by age 75, men are just as likely to develop Osteoporosis. Visible symptoms may include loss of height along with curvature of the upper back.

Osteoporosis and its associated fractures can rob you of your mobility and your independence. It is estimated that at age 50, a woman has nearly a 40% chance of developing an Osteoporatic fracture during her remaining lifetime. A woman’s lifetime risk of hip fracture alone is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. Up to 20% more women who suffer hip fractures die within one year of the fracture than those of a similar age who haven’t suffered a hip fracture.

Osteoporosis is a preventable disease; it is not a natural part of aging. It’s never normal to have porous, brittle bones.

How Serious Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis can be quite serious if left undiagnosed or untreated. Weakened bones break more easily and heal more slowly than healthy bones.

Furthermore, other osteoporosis symptoms, like limited mobility and chronic pain, can be severe enough to disrupt daily life or even cause mental health problems, like depression. Getting screened and seeking treatment from a licensed healthcare provider can help prevent some of the most severe complications of this disease.

Who’s Most At Risk?

• Women who are Post-menopausal
• Women who experience menopause at an early age
• Caucasian race or Asian ethnicity
• Family history of Osteoporosis or Osteoporotic fractures
• Smoking history
• Excessive alcohol use
• Inactive lifestyle
• Eating disorders
• Chronic use of steroids
• Excessive thyroid hormone
• Women who are Post-menopausal
• Men and women who are age 40 and over who break bones easily

Bone Health Clinic Services:

• Bone density testing (DEXA) and interpretation
• Osteoporosis education and treatment
• Education on optimizing bone health

What’s a Bone Density Test?

A bone density test (also called a DEXA scan) involves using an x-ray to look at a small section of bone to determine bone mineral content. Low bone mineral content is an indicator of osteoporosis.

Bone density tests are quick, non-invasive, and can be performed right in a doctor’s office or clinic. They can also be used to determine if someone is at risk of developing bone density problems in the future.

According to the US Preventive Services Task Force, you should be screened for osteoporosis if you have any of these risk factors, are post-menopausal, and younger than 65. You should also receive a test if you’re a woman over the age of 65 or a man over the age of 70, regardless of other risk factors.

Proudly Serving: Land O’ Lakes, and Zephyrhills.