Recognizing the Disease

Osteoporosis affects both men and women and is not just a "grandmother's disease." It is a condition characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, causing bones to become fragile. Those suffering from osteoporosis are much more likely than others to break bones following even minor bumps and falls. The disease can limit mobility, and lead to a downward spiral in physical health and the quality of life. The ability to walk, stand up or take care of oneself may be lost following an osteoporotic fracture. According to a National Institute of Health report, one in five patients dies within a year after sustaining an osteoporotic hip fracture. Therefore, detecting osteoporosis and charting a course of treatment is crucial.

Preventative measures

There are many steps you can take to ensure bone health. Here are a few recommendations from the Surgeon General and Wallach Surgical, the distributors of Sunlight Omnisense, an ultrasound-based osteoporosis testing device:

• Eat a diet high in calcium and Vitamin D. Calcium can be found in dairy products like milk, cheeses, and yogurt and in green leafy vegetables and soybeans. Vitamin D is produced in the skin by exposure to the sun, but can also be found in fortified milk and other foods. Supplements may also be beneficial to boost calcium and Vitamin D intake.
• Inactive individuals are at risk for osteoporosis because exercise is important to maintain healthy bones. Exercise regularly - about 30 minutes per day - and include weight-bearing exercises in your fitness routine to improve strength and balance.

Osteoporosis Screenings

Your physician should regularly look for the warning signs of osteoporosis, including low-trauma bone fractures and back pain from undetected vertebral fractures. A bone-density test with a device approved for bone monitoring should be performed regularly. It is not advisable to wait until age 65 for such testing since every year left untreated increases the risk.

Screenings can typically be done in the privacy of your doctor's office. Diagnostic instruments such as the Omnisense bone sonometer are non-invasive, involving only a small ultrasound device that sends a soundwave across the bones in your wrist or finger. The speed of the ultrasound wave indicates bone strength, and your osteoporosis status. No radiation is present, and the procedure is painless. Your doctor will be able to view a full-color report and share the results with you within 10 minutes at a cost of $40 to $50 for those under 65. If you are over 65, the procedure is covered by Medicare in most cases. With the treatment options available today, your doctor can set you on a path to improve your bone strength. It's a small price to pay for adding years of healthy bones to your life.