EMC Can Detect Your Risk for Osteoporosis

As we age, we have an increased risk of certain types of health conditions like certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and for women in particular – osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a silent, debilitating disease in which bones have low density, begin deteriorating, become fragile and are more likely to break. It is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, or 55 percent of the people 50 years of age or older, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. The good news is osteoporosis can be prevented and treated once it is diagnosed.

Evergreen Medical Center has recently added the DEXA Scan machine to its technology base, allowing EMC the capability to measure the density of bones and a person’s risk for osteoporosis. It is a simple, painless procedure that takes less than 15 minutes. The bones commonly scanned are the ones most at risk for fracture such as the hip, spine, and wrist.

By having a bone scan and taking other preventive measures, a person can reduce their risk for fractures, hospitalization and the need for major surgery. To find out more about the DEXA Scan at EMC, contact the radiology department at 578-2480.