Guest Columnist
by
Thomas Moraghan, M.D.
MeritCare Endocrinology
Don't wait for a broken bone
Do you have osteoporosis? It's more common than you might think, yet many people don't even realize they have it. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates approximately 44 million people in the United States age 50 and older have osteoporosis or are at increased risk for the disease. Characterized by low bone mass leading to increased tendency to fracture, osteoporosis can be costly:
- In the United States alone, approximately 1.3 million osteoporosis-related fractures occur per year, often involving the hip, wrist or spine. Many could have been prevented.
- Approximately 30 to 40 percent of women age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture at some time in their lives. Many can be prevented.
Often people don't realize they have osteoporosis until they break a bone, but it doesn't have to be this way. We can take action to change this situation, beginning with bone-density testing. A bonedensity test is a safe, painless, noninvasive test that provides valuable bone-health information in just a few minutes.
Who should get a bonedensity test?
Guidelines for testing continue to be developed, but the National Osteoporosis Foundation and other major groups recommend the following:
- All women 65 and over should have a bone-density test. Medicare covers this test.
- Women between the ages of 50 and 65 should have a bonedensity test if they have a risk factor in addition to menopause. The risk factor list is lengthy, but includes a history of fractures, smoking and low body weight. Your doctor can help you determine if your risk factors warrant the test.
Another group in need of testing is adults who have suffered fractures due to little or no trauma — a good indication osteoporosis was involved. If you suffer a broken bone, especially if minimal trauma was involved, ask your doctor to do a bone-density test. The results will indicate whether you need to begin treatment.
Today's treatments: More effective than ever
The most important reason for measuring bone density is the availability of very effective treatments. In the past decade, multiple medicines have been found to substantially lower the risk of fractures, with some of these medicines decreasing the risk of fracture by 50 to 65 percent. These medications truly do have an impact.
Would you like to learn more? Many health care professionals at MeritCare, myself included, greatly enjoy working with patients who have osteoporosis or are at high risk for developing it. Through diagnosis, treatment and education, we strive to identify the disease early, then treat the disease to prevent costly fractures. It makes a quality-oflife difference.
For more information, ask your doctor or visit meritcare.com.
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