Bone Density, More Important Reasons to Build the Bone Bank

Increasingly, bone density tests are becoming better predictors of fracture risk as women age. Using a quick, painless method called dual-energy-x-ray absorptiometry or DEXA for short first done after menopause can predict with surprising accuracy the chances a women has of developing osteoporosis in the coming years and the possibility of a devastating fracture later in life. New research shows that women who have a family history of low bone density is a strong predictor along with an inactive lifestyle. Clinicians, according to Dr. Felicia Cosman are suggesting that women in those categories should be screened before menopause because of their increased risk. For younger women, in their teenage years, preventative measures can completely eliminate the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Called "building the bone bank" young women are encouraged to eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise vigorously at least three times per week. According to Dr. Anne Louckes, researcher on bone density in young women, the exercise especially is important because the actual contracting of muscles and impact of walking or running are the signals that activate the making of new bone by enzymes called osteoblasts, and even reduce the breakdown of bone by enzymes called osteoclasts. For older women, according to Dr. Cosman, the actions of physical activity do remain the same, although blunted in many respects. Women past menopause can maintain their bone density and in some cases, when things start out poorly, even increase their bone density past menopause. The research done on post menopausal women to date included activities such as brisk walking, heel drops, and group exercise classes that included resistance training as part of its weekly exercise routine. Researchers are working on a method to make the science of fracture prediction more precise, Cosman says. The new method would base the prediction on the bone density test and other information such as medical history and age. The hope is to tell a woman what her predicted risk of fracture is within a specific time frame, for example: Your risk is 10% in the next 10 years. It will help people put things in perspective, and hopefully help women take the risk of serious fracture to heart.To learn more about subjects like this and to start changing your body, please visit us at New Lifestyle Diet.