January 05, 2004

How Dense Are You?

Bone Density Testing Urged for 50+ to Ensure Mobile Senior Years

Approximately 44 million Americans, or 55 percent of men and women, over 50 years of age already have low bone mass and osteoporosis according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. The problem will continue to grow as the foundation estimates more than 61 million men and women will be affected by 2020.

Medical experts have urged the Baby Boomer generation to take their bones seriously. Osteoporosis is a silent disease that is often ignored until a fracture or other complication occurs. Bone density, or bone mineral density, testing is the only way for physicians to test the health of a person's bones.

Bone density testing determines the mass of the bones, which accounts for 70% of total strength. By identifying risk factors and level of bone density early on, you may be able to prevent fractures that can be permanently debilitating later on in life. As Baby Boomers enter a more mature phase of life, they will continue to seek to improve quality of life and not just extend it.

Risk factors include increasing age, personal history of fractures, cigarette smoking, low body weight, estrogen deficiency, alcoholism and repeated falls. Those at high-risk are adults over 65 years of age, postmenopausal women with more than one risk factor, and persons with eating disorders.

Medical experts hope to slow and reduce the number of adults who suffer from osteoporosis and bone fractures. Milk does a body good, but other measures can be taken to prevent bone loss. Preventative measures should include regular physical activity, proper nutrition, stop smoking and regular screenings.

The Center for Breast Health at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Hospital and DeWitt Community Hospital each offer full-body bone density scans with your physician's recommendation. For further information, talk with your doctor.