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MU is informing the public about the dangers of osteoporosis
by offering free bone density screenings to people across
the state. Photo courtesy of the School of Health Professions
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Screenings
Combat Bone Loss
By Christian Basi
The University of Missouri-Columbia is taking health care on the road with the Missouri mobile health van to catch the so-called “silent thief.” New data proves the effort is working. Osteoporosis, which affects 44 million Americans, is called the silent thief because bone loss occurs without obvious symptoms, which is why having a bone density screening is so important. The Missouri mobile health van hits the road each week to offer free screenings to people across the state.
Data collected this year for all of Northeast Missouri show the success of the program. Program Coordinator Jack Stiefvater reported that hip scans performed on participants show that 4 percent have osteoporosis, 30 percent have osteopenia (low bone mass), and 66 percent have normal bone mass. Ten percent of the people who were given lumbar vertebrae scans were diagnosed with osteoporosis, 25 percent with osteopenia and 65 percent with normal bone mass.
“Bone density testing is a simple way to see if your bones are healthy and strong,” Stiefvater said. “Awareness of your bone strength and treatment for low bone density is the best defense against osteoporosis.”
Osteoporosis is a major health concern because it affects more than half of all people 50 years of age and older. However, it can strike at any age. Certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis if they have risk factors such as current low bone mass, a family history of the disease or estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause. Women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone mass within five years after menopause.
Many people are not aware of osteoporosis until bones start to fracture or break. One in two women and one in four men older than age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporosis is highly preventable, which is why the MU School of Health Professions offers mobile bone density screenings. The simple test takes just 20 minutes. 
“This is a truly amazing age because it is actually possible to do something about bone loss.” Stiefvater said. “Medication is now available to slow the progression on bone loss and plenty of steps can be taken at an early age to prevent osteoporosis.”
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Last Update:
September 3, 2008
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