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Tag: Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Management and Prevention: A Healthcare Worker’s Perspective

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Every individual must work towards building and maintaining a healthy skeleton throughout life. However, it is also the responsibility of healthcare professionals, in particular primary care providers, to assist the general public in achieving this goal. Osteoporosis management and prevention is part of the overall goal of healthy bones. This can be accomplished by educating patients and promoting awareness about the key factors that influence bone health. In addition, health professionals can identify high-risk patients and initiate lifestyle and therapeutic interventions in a timely manner. This will help prevent bone loss, reduce the risk of fractures, and limit the damage caused by bone disorders.

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Bone Health and Osteoporosis: Challenges in the United States

bone health and osteoporosis calcium

To a large extent, the physical, emotional, and financial burden of osteoporosis is preventable. While there is no doubt that there are considerable gaps in our knowledge of bone health and osteoporosis and further research is certainly warranted, also lacking is an application of the knowledge we already have about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and other bone diseases. This is relevant to both individuals and healthcare providers. X-ray technologists play a key role in the bone health of Americans by performing DXA scans.

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Osteoporosis Fracture Risk: Tips to Recognize High-Risk Patients

osteoporosis fracture risk

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and increased risk of fractures. The disease is particularly dangerous because it is often “silent.” There are no signs and symptoms while the bone loss occurs in the background. In fact, the condition is typically diagnosed when a significant medical event such as a fragility fracture occurs. Sometimes, even fractures are not recognized clinically (2 out of 3 vertebral fractures are asymptomatic). X-ray techs and DXA operators are in a unique position to recognize osteoporosis fracture risk.

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DXA Osteoporosis Test: Does My Patient Need It?

DXA osteoporosis test candidates
Older women are a high-risk group for osteoporosis and may benefit from DXA scanning

Radiologic technologists see patients from all walks of life. They are in a unique position of not only providing care for the patient’s current medical problems but also offering advice on preventive medicine. When a patient comes to the radiology department, should you suggest they speak with the doctor about a screening DXA osteoporosis test? Who is at greatest risk for fractures? What are the official recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force?

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