[ SPONSORED ] DEXA SCAN FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH

Women are most likely to develop Osteoporosis, especially women over the age of 50. Women tend to have smaller, and thinner bones than men, men also get osteoporosis but its less common happened. So to prevent the osteoporosis in advance, as women we should do some things to build healthy bones.

Here are some example things we can do :

1. Eat lots of vegetables and consume enough protein

2. Eat High-calcium food throughout the day

3. Get plenty of vitamin D and K

4. You can get DEXA Scan to monitor our bone density.

What is DEXA Scan? A DEXA ( Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry ) Scan measures bone, fat and muscle in our body.  It uses X-ray technology to determine the distribution of lean muscle, fat, water and bone in our body. Unlike any other body composition measuring tool, DEXA results are highly accurate and highly reproducible. The scanner uses the information to create a details map of our body and measure our Body Composition & Bone Density. 

BODY COMPOSITION

DEXA Scan gives us the most precise information about our body fat, muscle and bone composition and lets us track changes in body composition over time. Mostly Fitness enthusiasts, athletes and dieter often use body composition scan to measure their progress.
 
DEXA Scan also gives us precise measurements of fat and muscle distributed around our body. See muscle asymmetry that we need to correct to reduce injuries. And track potentially dangerous visceral fat around our vital organs.

DEXA also helps us monitor our weight loss progress. The scan lets us see and track how much body fat we are actually losing, and how much muscle we are gaining.

BONE DENSITY

A Bone Densitometry test is used to measure how strong our bones are. It is commonly used to identify osteoporosis, a condition that causes a decrease in the density of bones resulting in fragility, and to determine a person’s risk for developing fractures.

As women which  are mostly 4x more to develop osteoporosis and have high risk bone fractures as well. Bone density peaks at age 30 and then decreases over time. We need pay attention more about it.

Here I will talk more about Bone Density, since I'm focusing about high risk of osteoporosis for women and how to prevent/ monitor it.

When to take the DEXA BONE DENSITY SCAN? 

• Are female and older than 65
• Are female, menopausal or post menopausal and:
  • Under the age of 45
  • Under the age of 65 with other risk factors
  • Not taking estrogen
  • Over 5 feet 7 inches tall
  • Weigh less than 125 pounds
• Are male and older than 70
• Are male and have clinical conditions associated with bone loss
• Have broken a bone over the age of 50
• Have lost more than an inch of height
• Have unexplained back pain
• Have personal or family history of:
  • Hip Fracture
  • Smoking
  • Osteoporosis
• Use medications that are known to cause bone loss (including corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin and certain barbiturates or high-dose thyroid replacement drugs)
• Have Type I Diabetes, Liver Disease or Kidney Disease
• High bone turnover (shows up in the form of excessive collagen in urine samples)
• Thyroid condition, such as Hyperthyroidism.
• Parathyroid condition, such as Hyperparathyroidism.
• Experienced a fracture after only mild trauma.
• X-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis
• Are a heavy drinker

 ( Source: Dexascan.com )

But its not allowed to get a scan for young people under 18, pregnant women, and a total of 4x Dexa Scan in the past year. But however if you are breastfeeding mom, its safe to get the scan. 

For tracking bone density (osteoperosis screening), the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends routine screening for all women over-65. The test is also recommended for women under-65 with additional risk factors. The scan is typically repeated every two years.

HOW DEXA BONE DENSITY WORKS?

DEXA is today’s established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) and is most often performed on the spine, hips or forearm.

Step 1 : If you are at a risk of osteoporosis, talk and ask your doctor  about scheduling a bone density scan

Step 2 : Your doctor will recommend a nearby Dexa Scan provider that is covered by your health insurance.

Step 3 : Schedule an appointment for the scan and an additional appointment with your doctor to discuss the results.

Step 4 : Dont take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before the exam and wear comfortable clothes ( avoid wearing clothes with metal zippers or hooks).

Step 5 : On the scanning day. Unlike an MRI or a CT scan, you will not have to lie in a closed off tunnel. You'll lie on an open table as a wand hovers over your body. The machine is quick and will not make loud noises. Lay flat on the scanning bed for roughly 10 to 20 minutes

Step 6 : The result is available immediately after the test. Discuss the results with the health care provider.


The average price of a DEXA Scan for Bone Dencity is around $200 ( Prices may vary considerably based on insurance and deductible ). Generally prices are considerably cheaper in out-patient diagnostic facilities than hospital based facilities. Use  DEXA Scan locator to find the nearer location and the cost of DEXA Scan.