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How We Screen for Osteoporosis:
HealthYes!
uses quantitative ultrasound (QUS) to assess your risk for diminished
bone density. This is a simple and painless test in which your heel
is placed in a machine called a bone densitometer. The heel bone
most closely resembles the bone found in the hip, where most fractures
from osteoporosis occur. A Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurement
is calculated and expressed as a “T Score”. The T-Score
corresponds with the World Health Organization guidelines, and is
considered a strong predictor of skeletal strength and fracture
risk.
1 out of every 2 women and 1 in 4
men over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their
lifetime.
Like other diseases we screen for, Osteoporosis is
best prevented through early identification of risk. This valuable
information should be shared with your physician for their use,
in conjunction with other risk factors, to best manage your bone
health.
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