One in four men and one in two women over 50 will develop a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime.
Some 20 per cent of those over 60 who break a hip will die within the year and only 30 per cent will return to full independence.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease that is usually not diagnosed until a person breaks a bone. Bones become brittle, which can cause them to break more easily. Bones most affected are the hip, lower back and wrists.
It is estimated that up to 300,000 people in Ireland have osteoporosis, many unaware they have the condition. In most cases this is a treatable disease, but for the best results early diagnosis is essential.
Spiddal Medical Centre has been providing a DXA service for more than 20 years, and says the DXA bone scan is the most accurate test used to diagnose the condition.
A DXA scan is recommended for those at risk - all women over 65, all men over 70, and those under 65 years with other risk factors such as previous fracture/break, family history, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, coeliac disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, haemochromatosis, medications: steroids, blood thinning tablets, and chemotherapy.
The best advice to prevent problems and maintain bone health is to avoid smoking, minimise alcohol intake, eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, take plenty of weight bearing exercise and, if at risk, organise a DXA scan.
To book an appointment telephone 091-553135 or email [email protected]. Special summer offer per DXA scan with 20 per cent reduction now costs €80.
