With osteoporosis being a major cause of medical injuries in men and women over the age of 65, you may find yourself wondering how you can fight bone loss and breaks as you age. While we all know that calcium and other supplements can help us fight the onset of osteoporosis, it’s also important to get bone density tests, if possible.
If you aren’t sure how often you should get your bones tested, answer these questions to see if you should contact Peconic Bay Medical Center, one of the largest medical centers in Suffolk County, NY.
Are You over 65?
Women over the age of 65 and men over the age of 70 should talk to their primary care physicians or other medical professionals about bone density tests. Part of getting older is making sure that there are no underlying conditions that can affect our health. This includes early signs of osteoporosis and other bone-related ailments. It’s important to ensure that, if you fall in this category, your doctor knows of any aches, pains, sprains, or breaks that occur from even the most minor contact. This will help the doctor better determine whether or not you're at risk of osteoporosis.
Are You Going through Menopause?
If you're a woman going through menopause, you know that there are a lot of changes that your body is going through. While your body changes drastically from this hormonal shift, you might notice that your teeth become weaker. This is your body trying to tell you something. Additionally, menopause can bring forward a lot of other symptoms. Talk to your healthcare professional about whether or not you should get your bones tested. Depending on the results, you may find that you need to get them tested more frequently than those who aren't going through menopause.
Do You Have Risk Factors?
There are a lot of risk factors that can dictate how frequently you should get bone tests. These include things from your medical history to your family history. If you have a history of bone loss or weak bones, you may find that you need your bone tests earlier in life and more frequently. If you have a history of broken bones, you may find that getting them tested will help you identify an underlying cause.
While there are a lot of reasons to get your bones tested, it's important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional who can help you determine whether or not a test is right for you. If you're a woman over 65, a man over 70, going through menopause, or have any other risk factors, contact the experts at Peconic Bay Medical Center to learn about whether or not you should have your bones tested.