If you are like most people, then you are asking yourself What is a Bone Density Scan (DXA)?
Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DXA is today’s established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).
According to The Surgeon General’s report on Bone Health an Osteoporosis, you begin to slowly loose bone mass after the age of 30 and women loose bone mass faster a after menopause.
Are you at risk for weak bones?
What’s happening to my body?……menopause. If you have read my What’s happening to my body Tab, then you know that I have chosen not to use HRT. Having made this choice and knowing that the lack of estrogen can bring internal changes to my body, I decided to have a bone density scan and some blood work done at the beginning of this month.
I just found out the results this week. Bad news, I have a score of -2.8 for my bone density (Osteoporosis) and a TSH score of over 7 (under active Thyroid). Good news, my other scores are great.
According to the National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center, Osteoporosis is preventable and treatable. Good thing I started a Bye Bye Boniva Routine with my sister, Holly, at the beginning of October. You see, Holly, was told her bone numbers showed Osteoporosis a couple of years ago. Holly was on Boniva for over a year, yes it did improve her numbers; however the side effects Holly was experiencing far out weighted the benefits she was receiving- thus the creation of the Bye Bye Boniva Routine.
Here we where thinking the low bone density was a “cancer” problem. Turns out it is hereditary. We had a pretty good laugh about that.
Some interesting facts I have discovered in the last couple of days:
- Bones are living organs
- Bones are alive with cells and flowing body fluids
- Bones are constantly renewed and grow stronger with a good diet and physical activity
- Your muscles and nerves need calcium, if they are in short supply, they will take them from your bones
- You need calcium and Vitamin D to absorb the calcium
- Weight barring actives strengthen your bones
For me, what this means is that walking 30 minutes everyday is a must along with strength training 2-3 times a week and balance training once a week. Fortunately our Bye Bye Boniva routine includes a Calcium product that contains Vitamin D and two other products that have tons of good stuff for our bodies.
I am still figuring out the Thyroid stuff. Turns out Thyroid medicine can decrease calcium.
You are never too old or too young to improve your bone health. Your power lies in taking action, I encourage you to take action on something that inspired you here today.
Debi Talbert
Danielle
October 29, 2009 at 2:44 pm
That is great news that you can do something about your bones. My mom has often talked to me about her having bone density tests.
Debi Talbert
October 29, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Based on what just happen to me, I highly recommend your mom get the test. If she can’t do that right now, at least add some calcium, walking and strength training. The strength training does not have to be at the gym. It can be lifting up bottles of water and squats.
To your bone health – Debi
Holly Scott
October 29, 2009 at 6:04 pm
This is Debi’s sister, Holly. My poor oncologist kept saying, “yes, I know I destroyed your bones with the chemo, now let’s fix them with Boniva.” Now we know the low BMD scores are due to our genetic background and not the cancer treatments. I am going to encourage my two daughters to also follow the recommendations Debi outlined above to keep their bones strong.
Here’s to hoping for improved scores next year!
Miles Aarcher
October 29, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Wow. I will have to pass this bone health information onto my wife.
Melanie
October 29, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Great information in this post! I learned things I didn’t know — thanks!
Thomas Morris
May 18, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Osteoporosis is very common specially in old persons. Food supplementation with calcium and magnesium helps a lot to slow down osteoporosis. ,*.
Amelia Gray
July 27, 2010 at 12:19 pm
osteoporosis is very common among the elderly, calcium and magnesium supplements help a lot in osteoporosis.-”.