Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (RD/CN)
 
Mangalore, Jun 10: KMC Hospital Attavar will hold a free bone mineral density camp at its premises on Thursday June 11 between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm. 

A bone mineral density test measures the density of minerals such as calcium in the bones using a special X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or ultrasound. This information is used to estimate the strength of the bones.
 
People lose some bone mass as they age. Bones naturally become thinner as a person grows older because existing bone is broken down faster than new bone is made. This is known as osteopenia

As this occurs, bones lose calcium and other minerals and become lighter, less dense, and more porous. This makes the bones weaker and increases the chance of fracture.
 
With further bone loss, osteopenia leads to osteoporosis. So the thicker the bones are, the longer it takes to get osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis can occur in men, it is most common in women above the age of 65.
 
If a person’s bone density is lower than normal, they can take steps to increase their bone strength and reduce the chances of having a fracture. Some ways to increase bone density and strength includes combining calcium and vitamin D supplements with weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, weight training, lifting weights or using weight machines, etc.
 
Orthopaedic surgeons state that ideally anybody above the age of 40 should undergo the test. Only the first 150 patients will be treated at this camp.
 
Dr Sunil Deshpande, medical superintendent of KMC Hospitals, stated that the aim of providing bone mineral density test free is to enable people, poor and rich, to know their bone mineral density and to have an understanding of their bones at the earliest stage. This will enable him or her to choose the preventive and protective care, thereby remaining healthy, and avoiding osteoporosis, osteopenia and such bone disorders and diseases.
 
For more details contact 0824-2445858 extension 5203.