osteoporosis
winning the fight
Osteoporosis results in more than one million hip, spine and wrist
fractures annually. This disorder affects nearly one-half of all
postmenopausal women, the largest group at risk for osteoporosis.
Research in osteoporosis, the disorder in which progressive bone loss
results in increased risk of fracture, is making important new advances.
A key factor in the success has been the availability of new and
improved equipment to measure bone density.
OLBH has available to patients the best precision in diagnosing
osteoporosis and bone disease. The DEXA-scan bone densitometer offers up
to 40 percent more accuracy compared to competing bone densitometers.
Osteoporosis occurs when the body loses bone faster than it can be
replaced. When bones become weak and have a greater likelihood of
breaking, hip or other fractures become a risk. OLBH's DEXA-scan
identifies the density of bones to determine risk for osteoporosis,
fractures and broken bones. A bone scan using the DEXA-scan is similar
to an x-ray. The process is quick (approximately 10-20 minutes) and
painless. A patient relaxes on a cushioned bed during the scan. A bone
density test is recommended every one to two years to measure changes in
bone density. Women in particular are susceptible, as four out of five
people with osteoporosis are women. Annually, women suffer more
fractures due to osteoporosis than they do heart attacks, strokes and
cases of breast cancer combined.
OLBH offers a full range of services to help ease the risks of
osteoporosis and to diagnose and treat the disease. For information on
osteoporosis and how to receive a DEXA-scan, contact the OLBH CareLine
at 606-833-CARE (2273).
