Strong Bones,
Healthy Life
Talk to your doctor
about a DXA scan.
To schedule a scan,
call ValleyCare
Diagnostic Imaging
at
925-734-3376
.
Free Education Seminar!
Osteoporosis—Prevention,
Diagnosis and Management
Aug. 7, Oct. 2, 4 to 6 pm
Seminars are held at ValleyCare Medical Plaza,
Conference Rooms 2 and 3,
5725 W. Las Positas Blvd., Pleasanton.
For more information and to register, please call
925-416-6777
.
Y
our bones are like a building’s foundation. ey are the crucial structure
of your entire body. Strong bones protect your internal organs, store
vital minerals and allow you to stand and walk. Unfortunately, the aging
process, certain diseases, medications and lifestyle choices can weaken your
bones, resulting in osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.
Osteoporosis means “porous bones” and is a public health threat for 44 million
Americans. Without notice, it can sap strength from your bones, making them
brittle and more likely to break. Osteoporosis can develop in anyone, but it is more
common among women and older adults. Approximately 1 in 2 women and 1 in
4 men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their remaining lifetime.
While osteoporosis is a common disease, there are things you can do to help
prevent it. And if you already have the disease, there are treatments to slow or
even stop its progression.
CHECKING BONE HEALTH
Most of the time, there are no signs that osteoporosis is developing. A person
may become aware of the disease only after a fall results in a broken bone.
However, your doctor can determine your bone health with a bone mineral
density (BMD) test using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). It uses low-
level radiation similar to an x-ray to measure BMD at the hip and spine. e test
is quick and painless, and it can detect low bone density before a fracture occurs.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR BONES
If a test shows you have osteoporosis—or if you’re at risk for it—your doctor is
likely to recommend a healthy lifestyle that includes a diet with adequate amounts
of vitamin D and calcium; regular physical activity, such as walking, stretching and
balance exercises; and not smoking. In addition, there are a number of medications
that can help prevent or slow the progression of the disease.
May is National Osteoporosis Month. Take this opportunity
to learn more about this silent disease. Come to a ValleyCare
Osteoporosis Seminar to learn what you can do to ensure a
future of good bone health.
To view an educational video about osteoporosis, visit
Click “Osteoporosis”under “Services.”
ValleyCare Health System
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