Central Peninsula Hospital | Thrive | Summer 2018

Bone densitometry has become the gold standard for measuring the den- sity of your bones. Sometimes referred to as DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorb- tiometry) scan, bone densitometry is the test for the evaluation of osteo- porosis (the loss of bone minerals). The measurement of bone mineral is very closely related to bone strength and your potential for bone fracture. As men and women age, their risk factors for osteoporosis increase. 40 YEARS  The age at which most people slowly begin to lose bone mass. 43 MILLION  The number of Americans age 50 and older with low bone mass. This condition puts people at risk for the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis. 10 MILLION  The number of Americans age 50 and older with osteoporosis, which can cause bones to become weak and fragile. 80 PERCENT  The portion of people with osteoporosis who are female. THE WHY 0 The number of cigarettes you should smoke if you want to lower your risk for osteoporosis. THE HOW Bone health by the numbers Wondering why and how to take care of your bones? A few facts and figures can help answer those questions. DEXA uses a low-dose x-ray that checks for signs of mineral loss and bone thinning. DEXA is a simple and painless test that takes about 15 min- utes while you lie comfortably on our table. Metal buttons, buckles or zippers interfere with the test, so you may be asked to change into a gown. Our radiologist will interpret the results of your scan and send the results to your provider. She or he will discuss the results with you. After an initial DEXA scan is done, subsequent tests are useful to monitor your rate or response to therapy to slow bone loss. Our DEXA system at CPH also has the ability to perform an accurate as- sessment for body composition analysis (BCA). These scans are performed in a fashion similar to a DEXA study. For more than three decades, the prevalence of obesity has increased rapidly among both adults and chil- dren. Today, more than two-thirds of U.S. adults are considered overweight or obese, and more than 97 million Americans are affected by obesity- related illnesses. The demand for accurate body composition analysis is growing as health care providers realize its value in identifying serious health risks that result from obesity, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The BCA scan produces color images displaying the distribution of fat, lean tissue and bone and translates the information into a report that lets you know exactly how you’re progressing toward your weight-management goal. You do not need a physician’s order for the BCA evaluation. ●   ● Postmenopause, including early or surgical. ●   ● Age. ●   ● Previous bone fracture. ●   ● Family history of osteoporosis. ●   ● Certain medications. ●   ● Caucasian or Asian descent. ●   ● Thin or small build. ●   ● Eating disorder. ●   ● Smoking. ●   ● Alcohol abuse. ●   ● Inactive lifestyle. ●   ● Low calcium intake. ●   ● Vitamin B deficiency. Common risk factors include: Bone densitometry What are youmade of? DEXA imaging measures bone density and body composition, revealing a clearer picture of your health. Call 907-714-4542 to make your DEXA appointment. 4 Central Peninsula Hospital