Important Information About Bone Density Scans

In the United States, low bone mass and brittle bone disease, otherwise known as Osteoporosis, are currently considered major public health threats. Worldwide, osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, that’s one fracture every 3 seconds! Osteoporosis accounts for more days spent in the hospital than many other diseases, including diabetes and breast cancer for women over 45 years of age. One in five, over the age of 50, will experience an osteoporotic fracture of either the forearm, humerus, hip or spine. Even more concerning --- Hip fractures increase a person’s risk for dying. Mortality rates jump 20-24% in the first year after a hip fracture. Here to explain more on the importance of good bone health is Sandy Hoogland, Family Medicine Certified Physician Assistant at Aspirus.