Home Health : Bone Density
Healthy bones are constantly rebuilding themselves. A main component of bone – calcium – is continually absorbed by the body then replaced. Osteoporosis results if more calcium is absorbed than is replaced. Over time, bones become weak and are at increased risk of breakage. In fact more than 1.5 million Americans have fractures related to osteoporosis each year. And once a break occurs, it can be difficult to return to the same quality of life. Women are especially at risk for osteoporosis after menopause when estrogen levels drop and bone loss speeds up. Other risk factors include: family history, being slender, lack of calcium or vitamin D, lack of exercise and smoking or alcohol use. If you might be at risk, it’s a good idea to get checked. St. John’s Health Connection offers free bone density screenings. To find out about upcoming bone density screenings, call St. John’s Referral One at 625.2000 or visit stj.com.
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