Osteoporosis Screening
“I find no sweeter fat than sticks to my own bones,” – Walt Whitman
Make no bones about it, osteoporosis is no fun. Osteoporosis is a disease that makes your bones weak and brittle and can lead to a curved backbone or compressed fracture of your spine. That can cause back pain, height loss and stooped posture. It can also increase your risk of bone fractures.
Risk factors
Osteoporosis is most common in women aged 50 or older. There are several risk factors that can cause the disease, such as:
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
- Family history
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Frequent alcohol consumption
- Diabetes
- Lack of, or trouble absorbing, calcium or vitamin D
- Hyperthyroidism
Reduce your risk
There are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting osteoporosis:
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Get enough calcium and vitamin
- Perform weight-bearing exercises daily
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Don’t use tobacco products (Call the Medical Mutual QuitLine if you need help quitting – 1-866-845-7702; TTY711 for hearing impaired)
Diagnosis
A bone mineral density test is the only method of diagnosing osteoporosis. It’s a simple test that that measures how much calcium you have in your bones. It lasts about 10-20 minutes and no special preparation is necessary. Ask your PCP if you should have a bone density test. It’s covered under your plan at 100% with an in-network provider once every 24 months, so there’s no cost to you.