1. Osteoporosis Risk and Bone Density
A bone density test will measure or indicate if you're at risk for developing osteoporosis before there's a problem. Postmenopausal women under age 65, women over the age of 65 and women who've been on hormone replacement therapy for an extended period should all have the density of their bones tested. The test measures how much calcium and how much mineral content is in a segment of your bone. The denser your bones, the less likely you'll break a bone if you fall.
2. Take the Bone Density Test
The bone density test doesn't hurt and doesn't take too long. Several areas in the body are tested that are the most common areas for bone breakage. These areas are the lower spine, being the lumbar vertebrae, the neck area on the femur bone, which attaches to the hip, wrist bones and forearm bones. The technician will have you lie down on the platform, and the test will be a special x-ray, computerized tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound.
3. Understanding the Results of a Bone Density Test
Bone density testing results are shown as your T score and your Z score. If you're T-1, you're in the normal range, between T-1 and 2.5, signals that you are at osteopenia, which may lead to osteoporosis, and T-2.5 and below means that your bone density indicates that you have osteoporosis. Your Z score takes into consideration what age you are, your weight, what sex you are, and of what ethnic group or race you're from. The results help your doctor determine whether you need medical treatment or not.
4. Foods That Promote Good Bone Health
Would you believe that eating onions helps your body fight osteopenia or osteoporosis? It's true, eating onions and other healthy foods really do promote good bone health. Add calcium-rich foods to your diet like vegetables, fruits and dairy products. Choose healthy foods that are good sources of calcium such as yogurt, orange juice and hard cheeses. Cut down on foods that interfere with calcium absorption such as sweet potatoes, some beans, spinach, whole-wheat bran, caffeine and carbonated sodas.
5. Preventative Measures for Your Bone Density
It's important to be aware of the density of your bones as you age so that you take preventative measures. Increase your bone density and bone strength by getting enough calcium in your diet as well as vitamin D, whether by diet or supplements. Get involved in exercising, do more walking, weight training using light weights or machines and taking any doctor recommended medications will help your bone density. It's important to stay healthy and have strong bones as you age, so that you can enjoy all that life has to offer.
