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Sat., Aug. 23, 2008
Sun., Aug. 31, 2008
Sat., Sept. 27, 2008
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BONE DENSITY Check back for our next Bone Density Scan Drive Dates Osteoporosis: a low bone mass condition affect majority of women. As a result, this population is at an increased risk for fractures, particularly of the hip and the spine areas. The treatment and management of osteoporosis is delineated based on the result of a bone scan. Osteoporosis occurs as a result of a mismatch between bone build up and turnover. This mismatch can be caused by many different disease states or hormonal changes. It is also commonly a result of aging. The result is a thinning of the bone with an accompanying loss in bone strength and a greater risk of fracture. A thinning bone results in a lower bone density or bone mass. the menopause transition itself causes an extra degree of bone loss. This bone loss is greatest in the first 3 to 6 year after menopause. Bone mineral density (BMD) testing generally correlates with bone strength and its ability to bear weight. The BMD is measured with a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry test (referred to as a DXA scan) to predict the risk of fracture if trauma even minimal occurred. The information from a BMD is used to aid a decision as to whether prescription medicine therapy is needed to help reduce the risk of fracture. Who should have the scan: Women between the ages of 50-65 Only postmenopausal women at least 1 year after their menopause and with any associated factor(s) of the following conditions that may render them at increased risk of fracture: · Body weight <127 lbs. · Advanced age · Current cigarette smoking /alcohol consumption. · Use of corticosteroid therapy > 3 months as steroid weaken the bone · Impaired vision high risk of fall/fracture · Estrogen deficiency at early age: following hysterectomy · Poor health, low physical activity DXA is relatively easy to perform and the amount of radiation exposure is low, less than a regular chest x-ray. Average cost, for the procedure is approximately 200 U.S. dollars, however at Shifa Clinic Drive we will perform the procedure for free, and limited spots availability. Patients are encouraged to call for registration at our clinic on Saturdays between 11:00 -2:30 PM. scanning generally takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete and is painless Results of the scan will available to you after the scan and could be taken to your primary care physician or could be discussed at our clinic and treatment could be started. Osteoporosis has many available prescription and non-prescription treatment options once the diagnosis is made. The scan is recommended to be repeated in 1-2 years depending on the severity of the case and other medical factors determined by your doctor. You are expected to register for the event, arrive at the facility 30 minutes prior to your given appointment; you could eat before your appointment. Preferably shower before your test, don’t wear any perfume or deodorant .You will be watching an educational video while waiting. You are expected to spend on average 1-2 hours at the facility.
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