Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones are thin, weak, and more likely to break. There are more than 25 million Americans that have osteoporosis. About ½ of all women over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra. Our bodies go through a continuous bone-building cycle. Old bone is broken down and new bone is formed. Osteoporosis is caused by an imbalance in this cycle where more bone is broken down and incompletely rebuilt.
A Bone Density test is the only way to detect low bone density and diagnose osteoporosis. Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is a quick and painless test that can help detect early bone loss associated with osteoporosis before it causes a fracture. The lower a person’s bone mineral density, the greater the risk of having a fracture. A Bone Mineral Density test is used to:
DXA testing is available at Moreland OB-GYN. Our technologists who perform the test as well as the OB-GYN doctors who read the test are all certified by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry.
Please fill out the Bone Density Patient Questionnaire prior to your appointment and bring it with you. If you did not receive one in the mail please click below for a printable form. If you are unable to print the form, please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out the questionnaire.
Bone Density Patient Questionnaire
At our Waukesha office, we offer an Osteoporosis prevention exercise class called Tone Your Bones. This unique exercise program is available to the public at an affordable price. You do not have to be a current patient to join this class. The class is $32.00 a month and runs Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 am- 8:30 am. Please call 262-544-4411 to register.
Clothing restrictions: Make sure you remove items that can block the x-ray beam such as clothing with metallic zippers, snaps, buttons, or buckles. We can supply a gown if clothing interferes with the scan.
Radionuclides and radiopaque agents: Make sure you have not ingested or been infected with radionuclides or radiopaque agents in the past three to five days. If you have taken tests that use such agents, postpone the scan until all traces of the element have left your body. A 72-hour waiting period is usually long enough for most agents to leave your body.
Medication indications: Do not take any Calcium Carbonate (i.e. Tums or Caltrate) supplements 24 hours prior to the scan. Calcium Citrate (i.e. Citracal) is OK to take.
Insurance coverage: It is your responsibility to know if there is a frequency restriction with your insurance carrier and if you are required to have the scan done at a facility approved by your insurance plan. Medicare covers every two years + one day. Please check with your carrier prior to coming to the clinic for your scan.
Are you getting enough calcium? Click here to fill out our calcium calculation worksheet.
Cheryl Mashack, exercise physiologist for Moreland OB-GYN Associates, offers exercises for improving your balance that require no weights and can be integrated easily into your current workout program. She recommends doing these exercises daily.
“I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis several years ago. The specialist told me not to fall because I probably would break a bone. With luck, I found the TONE YOUR BONES class being offered with Cheryl at the Moreland OB-GYN Clinic. When I started attending the classes, I planned to learn the exercises so I could do them at home. However, it was soon evident that like everything else methods change with time. Over the years of going to class, Cheryl consistently brings to our attention the fact that there is something new or something has changed. Her constant sharing of facts regarding osteoporosis and what we now need to do makes it very evident that I need to attend all classes and I do. I also look forward to being in class since Cheryl makes it fun – not just exercise. I’m extremely happy to report the recent bone density test result showed an improvement from osteoporosis to osteopenia (classified as less severe). With Cheryl’s information and exercise methods, osteoporosis does not have to be the silent killer.”
