Bone density screenings in Argentine Dec. 8

Women and men, especially those in high-risk groups are encouraged to check their bone density. A KCK physician with a family practice in Argentine is sponsoring bone density screenings next Thursday. The screenings will take place on Dec. 8 at Argentine Family Health at 3200 Strong Ave. Dr. Yolanda Huet-Vaughn has arranged for densitometrist Esther Fairbanks to perform the screenings. Pre-registration is required. The fee is $30, payable with cash, check or debit card at the screening.

Fairbanks, of Natural Wellness will administer the tests using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the right heel. QUS is a painless, noninvasive test that measures bone density using sound waves.

“This type of test doesn’t use radiation so no doctor’s order is needed,” Fairbanks says.

The QUS takes about three minutes. The screening results, which are available at the same visit, show patients whether they need to follow up with their own healthcare provider to discuss further bone density testing. Depending on the outcome, Fairbanks says she spends additional time to educate patients.

No preparation is required for the bone density screening. Adults, even wheelchair users and others with limited mobility are eligible as long as they can hold their foot still for up to three minutes. They will need to remove the sock and shoe on their right foot to take the test.

The QUS is a small portable machine. It allows Fairbanks to measure the bone density of residents in senior living communities onsite, she says.

Common risk factors for osteoporosis are age – 60 and older for women, 70 for men; ethnicity – those of European and Asian descent are at greatest risk; tobacco smoking; excessive alcohol consumption – more than three drinks a day; a parental or sibling’s history of osteoporosis; a fall or bone fracture after age 50; and body frame size – small-framed people have a higher risk.

“Most research, when calculating the frequency of bone fractures, shows bone density loss looks to start around 50 years, but it’s not impossible for significant bone loss (to occur) before age 50, especially in someone who consumes a lot of soda pop,” Fairbanks says.

Bone density screening for people ages 30 to 35 is also valuable. It provides a baseline for where they stand as they approach middle age and menopause and provides a measure to compare against future bone density screenings, Fairbanks says.

Some health conditions can also increase the risk for osteoporosis. They include celiac disease, kidney or liver disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke and others. Medications, such as anti-seizure drugs, cancer drugs, antidepressants, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants and others taken for chronic conditions can also increase the risk for osteoporosis.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, 54 million women and men age 50 and older in the U.S. are affected by osteoporosis or low bone mass and are at greater risk for fracture. Over 80 percent – about two million -- of fractures in people over age 50 are caused by osteoporosis, known as the “silent thief.” Until someone with osteoporosis breaks a bone, they may not experience symptoms.

“You may think that grandma fell and broke her hip, but what may actually have happened is grandma broke her hip and fell. The hip breaking caused her to fall,” Fairbanks says. “Osteoporosis doesn’t give symptoms. Someone could be pain-free and have very brittle bones.”

To sign up for an appointment with Fairbanks for a bone density screening at Argentine Family Health on Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., call 816-728-1777.