Hospital offers bone density testing

Just as a muscle gets bigger and stronger when used, the human body’s bone becomes stronger and denser when activity and movement is provided. If bones are not called upon to work, such as during physical activity, the skeletal system will not receive any messages that it will need to remain strong.

“It’s important to become or remain physically active in all levels and stages of life. Often when we age, exercise routines lessen and the body produces lower bone mass or density,” said Thelma Reeves of the West Hills Women’s Diagnostic Center. “There are two helpful ways of exercising that can keep your bones and health and strong, weight-bearing and resistance exercises.”

In weight-bearing exercises, bones and muscles work against gravity, such as jogging, walking, stair climbing and dancing. Resistance exercises use muscular strength to improve muscle mass and strengthen bone, including free weights and weight machines, said Reeves.

While exercising is imperative, it is also vital for anyone, particularly those who may be at risk for fracture or osteoporosis, to have a bone mass measurement. A doctor can help determine the need for a bone mineral density test.

There are several ways to measure bone mineral density and all are painless, noninvasive, safe and becoming more readily available. West Hills Hospital and West Hills Women’s Diagnostic Center use the latest and safest technology to diagnose signs of bone loss.

The dual-energy X-ray absoptiometry scan is a safe and painless 10-minute scan with minimal radiation of less than one-twentieth of a chest X-ray. This scan is used to determine the bone density of the spine, hip and/or wrist. All diagnostic technologists at the center are highlyskilled professionals certified in the field of radiology and receive continuous training in bone mineral analysis.

While men and women of all ages and ethnicities can develop osteoporosis, those in the higher risk group are older, post-menopausal Caucasian women who are small in body size, eat a diet low in calcium and are physically inactive.

While hospitals such as West Hills Hospital offer safe and effective technology to diagnose bone density, it is important to stay active and healthy. Regular exercise and diets rich in calcium—which include dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, orange juice, cereal, break, tofu and nuts—can be a guarantee to healthy bones. For more information on bone mass (mineral) testing, please call the Women’s Center at (818) 227-6767.