Check Those Bones!
By Kim Ashley of SALISBURY DIAGNOSTIC & BREAST CENTER

Many of you are aware of the silent disease known as osteoporosis. It is a widespread disease that thins and weakens bones, making them brittle and susceptible to fracture. As a matter of fact, just holding up your own weight may cause the spine to compress and fracture. Hip fractures are the greatest threat to health since they lead to immobility, long term nursing home care and even death for 20% of the people who get them. Every
year the risk of having a fracture because of osteoporosis is greater than the risk for heart disease, stroke, or breast cancer.

Salisbury Diagnostic and Breast Center is well known for performing mammograms but we also offer the only test that can detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs. This test is known as a bone density test. So when it’s time for your mammogram you can also have a bone density test the same day.

A bone density test is quick, safe, and painless. It does not involve any injection or invasive procedures and the radiation exposure is less than a coast to coast airline flight. All bone density tests are performed by specially skilled radiologic technologists who make our patients as comfortable as possible. During this exam the patient lies comfortably still on a padded table while the DXA unit scans one or more areas, usually the fracture-prone spine or hip. After only 20 minutes the test is complete.

Individuals who are at a greater risk for developing osteoporosis weigh less than 127 lbs, have family histories of osteoporosis, have a personal history of fracture as an adult, have a history of calcium deficiency, and have inadequate physical activity. Talk to your doctor. It is never too early or too late to protect your bones. By taking steps now you can reverse bone loss and reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

MAGGIE’S MEMO: Kim Ashley is the supervisor of the SALISBURY DIAGNOSTIC & BREAST CENTER, located in the H. Gray Reeves Building, 145 Carroll St., Salisbury. Call 410-546-8400 .

MAGGIE SAYS: (from the publisher) I have had a DXA scan and it was the simplest, easiest medical test I ever had. We may have to age, but we don’t have to lose bone. Call for your appointment today - before you get any shorter!