Did you know that August 1 – 7 is National Healthy Bones Action Week?
Now there’s a view of me you don’t normally see …
Our bones might normally be a case of “out of sight, out of mind”, but when you are a woman of a certain age, it’s a very good idea to have a bone density test done.
Why have a Bone Density Test?
As we age – and particularly after menopause for women – it’s a sad fact of life that just like the rest of our body, our bones deteriorate. As the density of the bones decreases, they become weaker – which is why you hear of so many elderly folk breaking bones should they have a fall.
Ready for a full body scan
So I headed to The Bone Clinic in the Brisbane suburb of Coorparoo, to have a bone density scan and learn more about bone health and preventing osteoporosis.
I had no idea what to expect, but upon arrival was assured that there was nothing to be worried about. As I completed a form about my medical history, I heard plenty of laughter from an exercise class in the next room. It wasn’t until later that I learned that each of the women attending has cancer, as chemotherapy is notorious for its adverse effect on bone health.
What It’s Like to Have a Bone Density Test
If you have been nervous about having a bone density test, let me put your mind at ease – it’s nothing like a mammogram, colonoscopy, or any of those other horrible medical checkups we seem to need when we hit middle age.
It’s completely painless – and you don’t even have to get undressed! You do need to take off any metal that you might be wearing – eg jewellery, belts, and I also slipped my bra off as it had metal hooks. But otherwise, I was fully clothed.
Closing my eyes while my head is scanned
It took about 10 minutes to get a full body scan, as well as ones of my hips and legs – which often become trouble spots as we age. I got to lie down and relax while Rosanna took all these photos for me (thanks Ro!).
An interesting contraption to help get a good scan of my leg bones
Then a scan of my hip bones
And finally a big stretch … all done!
And the Verdict Is …
My scans were available on the computer straight away, and Rosanna went through the results with me.
Guess what – I have good bones! The density exceeds what is “normal” for a woman of my age, which was quite a relief.
That’s my spine – ain’t it purty?!
Boning up on the Facts about Bone Health
In addition to learning my own bone density scan results, I learned quite a bit about bone health and preventing osteoporosis.
- Our bone density peaks in our late twenties.
- Calcium (from dairy foods) and Vitamin D (from sunlight) are necessary to build and maintain strong healthy bones.
- Lower levels of estrogen after menopause, mean that women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
- Many older women are therefore put on medication to increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. However, not many people realise how toxic these can be. There are some nasty side effects – rotting teeth and jaw, atrial fibrillation (fast, irregular heartbeat), even esophogeal cancer.
- Weight bearing exercise has been proven to build up bone – a healthier, more natural alternative to medication.
- If you’ve ever had chemotherapy, you need to be aware that your bone density has likely suffered as a result, no matter what your age.
- The risk of future fracture rises with each new fracture, so prevention is key.
What is The Bone Clinic?
Traditionally, if you had concerns about your bone health, you had to visit a doctor, a radiologist, a dietitian, a gym or exercise physiologist … the list goes on.
The Bone Clinic is a one-stop shop offering total care for your bones – bone density tests, supervised exercise programs, dietary guidance, and education – with all the professionals in one location. It has been set up in conjunction with Griffith University, which means that treatment is not only based on the latest scientific evidence, but that this research is ongoing. There is even a free class held each Friday at 12 noon, to help you bone up on your bone health!
For those not in the Brisbane area however, all is not lost! You can build up your bone density wherever you live – with The Bone Clinic online program, Onero. From as little as $5 a week you can access The Bone Clinic’s targetted bone health exercise program, including videos and email support. Other options include monitoring improvement in your bone density, technique checks, and access to webinars and recipes to increase your calcium intake (without the kilojoules).
I’m almost disappointed that my bones are so healthy! Now if only there was something similar set up for those of us suffering from high blood pressure and cholestorol … 😉 .
Disclosure: I was not paid for this post, although I was provided with a complementary bone scan and consultation at The Bone Clinic.
Being in my 40’s bone density is becoming more and more relevant to me.
I’m now considering having a bone density scan done too!
I wasn’t too worried about mine, I’ve always loved my dairy foods … but it’s good to have peace of mind 🙂
This is very interesting Janet. When I turned fifty I only had an x-ray done of my wrist to access my bone density. How times change just over a period of five or six years. You have convinced me to go along and have one of these scans.
The biggest trouble spots are hips and legs apparently, which is why they did a separate scan for these. But I imagine they would be closely followed by wrist fractures, and wrists are easier to access, so maybe that’s why they used to do it there.
I’ve never thought about having a scan but after reading your post Janet I’m thinking hard about having one when we get home. Prevention is better than cure. I’m currently trying to eat correct amounts of Dairy and do weight bearing exercises and get some sunshine each day. Thanks for the interesting information.
How interesting. I’ve started to have all the tests that we menopausal women need but hadn’t thought of bones. And you’ve reminded me that I didn’t do any weights this week so must get some done next week. I want to be a fit old lady!