Submitted
by: Dr. Anne-Marie Nelson,
Proactive
Chiropractic
The US Prevention Service Task Force recommends that all women who
are 65 or older should receive a bone-density screening for osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a bone weakening disease that can cause pain, deformed posture,
and broken bones. The new recommendation is based on hundreds of studies
linking low bone density and other risk factors to osteoporosis in
postmenopausal women. According to the National Osteoporosis
Foundation, only about 12 percent of women over the age of 65 have had an
osteoporosis screening test. The test is a noninvasive X-ray that measures
bone-mineral density (BMD).
The task force also recommends screenings for women age 60 to 64 who have other
risk factors for developing osteoporosis. Some of there risk factors
include:
- Body weight under 154 pounds
- Smoking
- Taking diuretics or thyroid medications
For prevention of osteoporosis, experts recommend consuming plenty of dietary
calcium (1,200 to 1,500 milligrams per day for women older than 50), and regular
exercise to include weight bearing activities like walking, as well as light
resistance training. You should consult your doctor & a fitness
professional before making any changes to your current level of activity.
About the Author: Dr. Nelson is certified by the American
Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board, the American College of Sports Medicine, the
National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Board of
Chiropractic Examiners. She and her husband, Dr. Craig Nelson, own and operate
Proactive
Chiropractic in Halfmoon, NY. The Drs. Nelson specialize in spinal
stabilization through chiropractic procedures and muscular rehabilitation. Their
philosophy is directed toward enabling their patients to become self reliant….to
keep them out of the office, and back in life! For more information call
373-9999, email
Proactive@CliftonPark.org, or
visit their website.
