Do you need a bone density scan?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease caused by loss of bone mass and weakening of bone tissue. It’s normal for bones to become weaker and less dense as you age. If you have osteoporosis, this happens more quickly, resulting in an increased risk of life-changing fractures.1
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends having a bone density test if you:2
- Are a woman age 65 or older
- Are a man age 70 or older with risk factors
- Have a broken bone after age 50
- Are a man age 50 – 69 with risk factors
- Are a woman of menopausal age with risk factors
- Are a postmenopausal woman under 65 with risk factors
Talk to your doctor about getting a, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, also known as a bone density scan.
Tips to help improve bone health
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are many things you can do to help strengthen your bones, including:
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D. Low-fat dairy products, canned fish with soft bones like salmon, and dark leafy green vegetables like kale, collards and turnip greens. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium; get it from sunlight, eggs, fatty fish, and some fortified foods and beverages.
- Be physically active. Weight-bearing activities like walking, hiking, dancing, strength training, and tai chi may help strengthen bones and prevent falls.
- If you smoke, quit.
- Limit alcohol.
1 “Bone Health and Osteoporosis,” National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, last accessed August 9, 2024, https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/bone-health-and-osteoporosis#c.
2 “Evaluation of Bone Health/Bone Density Testing,” National Osteoporosis Foundation, last accessed August 9, 2024, https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/diagnosis-information/bone-density-examtesting/.