Osteoporosis

affects more than 28 million Americans. This debilitating

disease makes even the smallest accident extremely

hazardous, even life threatening.

With newly

approved therapies for osteoporosis now available, early

detection can lead to improved quality of life.

The best

way to determine the presence or risk of osteoporosis is

to have a bone density test, which can detect

osteoporosis before a fracture occurs, predict the

chances of fracturing in the future, determine the rate

of bone loss and/or monitor the effects of treatment,

according to a hospital spokesman.

The most

accurate test is a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, or

DEXA, test of the spine and hip.

A DEXA unit

uses a minuscule radiation dose, a fraction of the amount

in a standard chest x-ray, and has a high degree of

precision, detecting even 1 percent bone loss.

Availability of DEXA machines is normally limited to

larger medical centers, but Fayette Community Hospital is

bringing this service to the Fayette and surrounding area

communities.

Now

available at FCH, the bone density study is painless and

lasts less than 15 minutes. The DEXA unit reveals the

composing bone materials, and physicians compare the

content to normal levels. This is an extremely important

screening tool, especially for women, said the hospital

spokesman. The best time for women to have a bone density

test is around menopause, when estrogen production starts

to decline and the risk for bone loss increases.

Of the

estimated 10 million Americans who have the disease and

18 million more who are at risk for osteoporosis, 80

percent are women.

A bone

density test requires the referral of a physician and is

covered by Medicare. Phone the FCH Radiology Department

at 770-719-7007 for information or to schedule an exam.