Focus on bones

By Melissa Meehan
BONE density testing, incorporating bone health information and education to help women and men assess risk of fracture and prevent osteoporosis, will be at Healesville Pharmacy on Wednesday 16 April.
“Bone density testing can assess risk of fracture, in much the same way cholesterol readings predict the risk of heart disease and blood pressure tests predict the risk of stroke”, states Dr Max Holsman, medical adviser to Australian Bone Density Testing Centre.
Dr Holsman says he was concerned with the rising incidence of osteoporosis.
“Don’t wait till you break a bone to take preventative action or commence treatment,” Dr Holsman said.
“A simple, fast inexpensive bone density test can assess your bone quality and risk of fracture before you break a bone.”
He said ultrasound bone testing provided reliable estimates of fracture risk, particularly for fracture risk at the hip. (Reference: Australasian Journal of Bone and Joint Medicine, Vol 2: Issue 1 2003).
The centre’s trained consultants perform the test, explain the result, help to identify risk factors and provide easy to understand lifestyle information on bone health.
Results are immediately available and the cost is just $45.
Also included is information regarding BMI – Body Mass Index assessment.
“Body Mass Index readings are a guide to overweight and obesity, and provide a basis for healthy weight important for physical and psychological health and well being,” Dr Holsman said.
“This program reinforces the importance of maintaining bone and cardio vascular health and the benefits of early assessment of risk of osteoporosis and heart disease and of good nutrition and physical activity for overall health and prevention of disease as required throughout life.”
Osteoporosis means that bones become thin, fragile and break easily.
In Australia it affects 1 in 3 women and increasing numbers of men.
Bones reach peak strength around the age of 25.
From approximately 35, both men and women can slowly start to lose bone strength at about 1 per cent every year.
“The outstanding fact is that it is largely preventable and treatable, but you can’t feel bones getting thinner so osteoporosis is called the silent disease,” Dr Holsman said.
Book a test now at Healesville Pharmacy, 215 Maroondah Highway or phone 5962 5845.
For more information see www.bonedensitytesting.com.au.