Osteoporosis, or low bone density, affects 1 in 3 women over 50. Men get it too although the ratio is higher. Most people only find out once they’ve broken a bone… a bit late really! The DEXA scan , which measures bone mineral density, is painless and takes about 5 minutes. You’re given a ‘T’ score – anything above -1 is normal, between -1 and -2.5 is defined as osteopenia , and below -2.5 is osteoporosis. YOU CAN ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR A SCAN. There is a request form you can take to your doctor. Last year I made these forms available to my class members. Here is an email from one of my ladies ,Sarah , who took action:
” Just thought I’d let you know that I had the results of my DEXA scan today and the density isn’t good – osteopenic and I’m to have another scan in 3 years time. Obviously with my mother having severe osteoporosis, it isn’t a surprise but it shows the importance of good diet and exercise. Thank you for furnishing the questionnaires at class. I am certain I would have eventually gone to the doctors but would have probably left it for another 5 years (when I was 60) – so to be informed at this stage is amazing. Please, please encourage other people to get checked out, especially if there’s a history of the problem”. Sarah Westaby.
My thanks to Sarah for giving permission to share her experience. She has the choice now to do something about it, possibly avoiding the need for medication in the future and reducing her chances of fractures. Great! The form and leaflets will be available to my classes again next week , also ,check out the National Osteoporosis Society, website. Why wait for a fall?
Pilates in Herefordshire with Dawn Arkell 