Mary is not conducting osteoporosis tests for the moment.
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a systematic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. More than one third of women will suffer from such fractures after 50 years. Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease, because there are no symptoms until the fracture suddenly occurs.
The Ubis 5000 tests for OsteoporisIt does this by means of an ultrasound or the sending of sound waves through the heel of the foot.It is recocognised that the heel bone gives an accurate indication of the bone mass or density of other bones throughout the body.The report given back is a comparison report of the bone mass or density against that of an average 20 year old person. This is called a T-score. It also gives a report on the comparison against that of an average person of the same age as that of the person being tested. This is called a Z-Score.
Research has shown that bone loss starts with trabecular (soft) bone and then progresses to cortical ( hard) bone. Research has also shown that bone loss in the trabecular compartment (the heel is made up of 90% trabecular bone) mostly reflects trends throughout the skeleton. Therefore, to measure the bone density at the heel provides an excellent prediction for other sites and to assure future risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture.
The structure of the calcaneus is mainly trabecular (porous bone) and similar to that of the vertebra, which is a frequent fracture site. The calcaneus has two parallel sides, enabling an optimal ultrasound propagation. The calcaneus is also easily accessible and surrounded by only a small quantity of small tissues. The clinical studies quoted below have demonstrated the ability of the measurement at the calcaneus to predict hip fracture as well as the hip and the spine.
As we get older we usually lose bone mass. Z-Scores compare your bone density with people the same age (your age group). Exercise plays a major role in maintaining and improving bone density. Plan an exercise program that suits you.
Bone density is affected by what you eat. The most important mineral for strong healthy bones is calcium. Milk and milk products are the best known sources of calcium, but there is growing evidence that intolerance to these products can cause problems. For alternatives, consume more calcium enriched soya drinks and soya products, vegetables (green leafy), sea vegetables, fish especially mackerel, sardines and salmon (tinned in brine with bones), beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, rice, milk (fortified with calcium and vitamin D) and dried fruits.
Consume less coffee and tea, fizzy drinks, alcohol, saturated fats, trans fats, salt, sugar, chocolate, rhubarb and smoking.