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Bone HealthBone density testing and risk predictionAs part of a complete bone health assessment, your physician or nurse practitioner will check your family medical history and bone mass measurements. Often a bone fracture is the first sign of osteoporosis. Ask your doctor to help you better understand your own risk and become aware of prevention and treatment options.Routine x-rays can't detect osteoporosis until it's quite advanced, but other radiological methods can. The FDA has approved several kinds of devices to estimate bone density. The latest device is a machine that measures bone density with a painless, radiation-free ultrasound of the heel bone. Health care providers consider a patient's medical history and risk factors when deciding who should have a bone density test. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your clinician. Readings are compared to a standard for the patient's age, sex and body size. Different parts of the skeleton may be measured, and low density at any site is worrisome. The important thing to remember is to get your bone density measured before you experience a debilitating fracture. Schedule your bone density screening test so that if low bone density is detected, preventive steps can be taken. Be good to yourself and be good to your bones!
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