Building Strong Foundations: The Importance of Bone Density Screening
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Maintaining bone health is crucial throughout life, from childhood through old age, to support overall health, mobility, and well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can all contribute to strong, healthy bones.
The Role of Bone Density Testing
Bones provide the framework for the body, supporting muscles and protecting vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs.? Strong and healthy bones allow for movement and activity, enabling us to walk, run, lift, and perform other daily tasks.? Healthy bones are less likely to break or fracture, which can help prevent injury and maintain quality of life, especially as we age.
Reasons to Prioritize Bone Density Exams
One way we can help preserve good bone density is by getting the recommended regular bone density dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) testing. Regular bone density tests are important for monitoring and maintaining bone health, particularly in certain at-risk populations. Bone density DXA tests provide valuable information about an individual's bone strength and risk of fractures.
Reasons one should get a bone density exam by DXA are:
1.????? Bone density tests can detect early signs of bone loss, allowing for timely intervention.
2.????? Early detection could possibly help prevent the progression of osteoporosis.
3.????? Bone density testing can assist your physician in assessing the risk of fractures, in areas prone to breaks such as the spine, hip, and forearm.
4.????? DXA results can guide healthcare providers in developing personalized treatment plans. And aid healthcare providers in tracking the effectiveness of personalized treatments for their patients who have been diagnosed with low bone density and osteoporosis.
5.????? Bone density scans can prompt individuals to make lifestyle changes that support bone density, such as exercising regularly and consuming a bone-healthy diet.
Regular bone density tests play a key role in assessing bone health, managing risks, and guiding treatment decisions. They are especially important for older adults, postmenopausal women, and others with risk factors for low bone density.
Who Should Get a Bone Density Exam?
It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if a bone density test is appropriate based on individual risk factors and medical history. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the timing and frequency of testing to monitor and maintain bone health.
Individuals who qualify for bone density exams are:
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1.????? Postmenopausal women
2.????? Men aged 70 and older.
3.????? Individuals undergoing treatment for osteoporosis or low bone density.
4.????? Premenopausal women and men under 70 years old with risk factors such as:
?Regular monitoring is needed to assess the effectiveness of treatment and adjust it as necessary.
Navigating the Bone Density DXA Exam Process
Setting up a bone density DXA exam is easy.? Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns regarding bone health and the reasons you may need a DXA exam.? Discuss your medical history, risk factors, and any previous tests or conditions that may affect your bone density.? If your physician decides you need a DXA scan, then you should receive an order or referral from your provider to get a DXA one done.
Ensuring Quality: Tips for Setting Up a DXA Scan
It is good practice that when setting up a DXA scan to make sure the DXA technologist is certified through the American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT BD) or the International Society of Clinical Densitometry (ISCD).
Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or fasteners, as these can interfere with the scan. The exam is usually quick and painless. You'll lie down on a table, and positioning devices will be used for each body part scanned for minor anatomy adjustments.? When the scan is started, the scanner will move over the targeted areas of your body. Once the exam is complete, the facility will provide you with the results or send them directly to your healthcare provider.
We do all this because preventing fractures is a crucial aspect of maintaining long-term health and well-being, especially as you age. It allows you to stay active, independent, and healthy for as long as possible.
Are you interested in training in Bone Densitometry? Check out our upcoming Bone Densitometry Initial Training courses here!
Article Written By: Greg Yardley MSRS, RT(R), CBDT