Most individuals are cautious to get the beneficial assessments to maintain their coronary heart wholesome and detect most cancers as they age.
However there’s one other vital screening that doesn’t get as a lot consideration: the bone density check.
“Osteoporosis is a silent illness, that means there could be no signs,” Arashdeep Litt, MD, inner medication specialist with Corewell Health, mentioned. “That’s the reason it is vitally vital to display screen sufferers.”
Osteoporosis causes bones to turn into weak and extra prone to break. It impacts each women and men, though older girls who’re previous menopause are most in danger, Dr. Litt mentioned.
“That is truly crucial on your well being,” she mentioned. “Osteoporosis can result in vital incapacity.”
Bone fractures have an effect on many actions in day by day dwelling, together with the power to reside independently, she mentioned.
The excellent news: There’s a simple and accessible screening methodology, in addition to methods to assist stop osteoporosis at each life stage.
That screening device is known as a bone density check, or DEXA scan. It’s a low-radiation X-ray, usually of the hip and pelvis area, however typically the forearm. It measures what number of grams of calcium and different minerals your bone accommodates.
“It’s so simple as laying on a desk for an X-ray,” Dr. Litt mentioned. “It’s very fast.”
So who ought to have a bone density scan?
It’s beneficial for all girls age 65 or older, in addition to males ages 70-75.
It’s additionally beneficial for folks age 50 or older in the event that they’ve misplaced a complete peak of about 1.5 inches, or 0.8 inches in a single 12 months.
Additionally for the over-50 age group, the check is beneficial for many who have fractured a bone, taken some drugs—similar to long-term steroids—or skilled a drop in hormone ranges. (Most cancers therapies in girls can drop estrogen ranges, for instance, whereas prostate most cancers therapies in males can cut back testosterone ranges).
When you’ve had an preliminary bone density check, your physician will decide if you want one other, Dr. Litt mentioned.
And what in case your bone density check reveals bone loss? Take coronary heart, as a result of there are therapies.
“Not all is misplaced after getting osteoporosis,” Dr. Litt mentioned. “There’s a lot that may be achieved.”
It’s vital to take steps to assist stop falls. This contains regular exercise and strength-building activities.
Therapy for osteoporosis contains way of life modifications, in addition to drugs similar to bisphosphonates, which will be taken orally and are designed to sluggish bone loss.
“They’re nice in that, when you cease taking them, they nonetheless proceed to have bone loss advantages,” Dr. Litt mentioned.
These drugs are additionally out there through annual intravenous therapies for sufferers who can’t tolerate the negative effects, though negative effects are very uncommon, she mentioned.
Denosumab is one other remedy administered through injection each six months.
For extreme osteoporosis, some drugs not solely sluggish bone loss but in addition assist construct again bone density, she mentioned.
And whereas these therapies can be found, Dr. Litt recommends everybody take proactive steps to forestall osteoporosis from ever coming your means.
Loads of easy way of life modifications could make a profound distinction.
Get your calcium
The Nationwide Bone Well being and Osteoporosis Basis recommends that girls age 50 and youthful get 1,000 milligrams of calcium day by day, whereas girls age 51 and older get 1,200 milligrams.
Males age 70 and youthful ought to get 1,000 milligrams of calcium day by day, whereas age 71 and older ought to get 1,200 milligrams.
This contains calcium out of your weight loss program in addition to vitamin dietary supplements. Excessive-calcium meals embody dairy merchandise similar to milk, yogurt and cheese. Different good sources are inexperienced greens and meals fortified with calcium, similar to juice, soy milk, cereals and breads.
Take vitamin D
To construct and keep robust bones and muscle groups, most adults age 50 and youthful will want 400 to 800 worldwide models (IU) day by day, whereas these age 50 and older want 800 to 1,000 IU day by day.
However some folks want extra vitamin D to take care of wholesome blood ranges. Dr. Litt recommends talking together with your main care supplier to find out the quantity best for you.
Eat a protein-rich, balanced weight loss program
Maintaining a healthy diet—and consuming a correct quantity of protein—is nice on your bones. Dr. Litt recommends aiming for 25 to 30 grams of protein with every meal.
Train often
Whereas all train will be nice, weight-bearing workout routines similar to strolling, operating or biking are greatest for bone well being. Dr. Litt recommends half-hour, 5 days per week.
She additionally likes sufferers to carry out firming workout routines two or 3 times per week for 10 to fifteen minutes. This strengthens muscle groups, which protects bones.
“In case you have been to take a tumble, then you’re robust sufficient to cease that fall, or your muscle groups can present cushion on your bones,” she mentioned.
Steadiness workout routines may assist stop falls as we age.
No matter you’re doing to forestall bone loss, don’t neglect following your physician’s suggestions for a bone density check.
“The bottom line is to get screened,” Dr. Litt mentioned. “Osteoporosis can simply be handled, but it surely’s crucial to not put this on the again burner.”
