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Osteoporosis Test Available at Providence Osteoporosis Center.

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This is a cut-away model of vertebrae provided by the University of Arizona Extension Center. At the top left is a normal bone; in the middle, a bone affected by osteopenia showing the beginning of a lack of calcium and low bone density; and at the bottom is a bone showing a severe case of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by the loss of bone mineral, which results in bones that are weakened and vulnerable to fracture. Fractures due to osteoporosis usually occur in the spine, wrist or hip. This disease can begin as early as age 35, and many women with osteoporosis have no symptoms until a bone breaks. A bone density measurement can help you doctor diagnose osteoporosis before a fracture occurs. Don't wait until it's too late!

Providence Osteoporosis Center, located on the Providence Health Center campus, offers a complete evaluation of your bone health, including a bone density test, risk factor evaluation, information about calcium, vitamin D and treatment options. Testing is convenient and painless, and is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by appointment. Call (254) 751-4565.

Take the following quiz to find out if you are in need of bone density testing:

Do you have a small, thin frame; or are you Caucasian or Asian?
Have you or an immediate family member broken a bone as an adult?
Are you a postmenopausal woman?
Have you had an early or surgically-induced menopause?
Have you been taking high doses of thyroid medication or prolonged doses of cortisone-like drugs for asthma, arthritis or other diseases?
Is your diet low in dairy products and other sources of calcium?
Are you physically inactive?
Do you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol in excess?

The more times you answer "yes", the greater your risk for developing osteoporosis. To be certain about fracture risk, you need a bone density test.

Bone densitometry is a safe, painless, and simple method of measuring bone mass and takes only minutes. To schedule your appointment, call the Providence Osteoporosis Center at (254) 751-4565 today.

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