Evelyn Holam believes strong bones “carry us around”.
To reinforce the importance of overall health and wellness, Keirle’s Pharmacy is urging adults of all ages to give more attention to the health of their bones with bone density testing at the pharmacy during Spinal Health Week today.
“Today life begins at 50 and we can expect to live well into our 80s. For quality of life we need a sound mind, a healthy heart, and strong bones to carry us around!” Ms Evelyn Holsman Director of the Australian Bone Density Testing Centre said.
Conducted by ultrasound technique, bone density tests assess fracture risk, cost $45 are 100 per cent safe and include a written result and information for lifelong bone health.
“We are proud of our special program which combines bone density testing with information for people to make their own informed lifestyle choices beneficial for bone health,” Ms Evelyn Holsman said.
“All people, regardless of age and their level of risk, receive information about calcium, vitamin D, exercise and more.”
The United States Preventative Services Task Force (January, 2011) confirmed ultrasound effectively assesses fracture risk in postmenopausal women and men. Ultrasound is the second most commonly used test in the United States and predicts fracture risk of the hip and spine.
Osteoporosis means bones become thin, fragile and break easily and currently in Australia there is an osteoporotic fracture every 5-6 minutes.
“Osteoporosis does not happen suddenly when you reach 70,” Ms Holsman explained. Bones reach peak strength around the age of 25. From approximately 35, both men and women can slowly start to lose bone strength at about 1 per cent per year.
The outstanding fact is that osteoporosis is largely preventable and treatable and does not have to be a consequence of getting older! You are never too young or too old to take action to keep your bones as healthy as possible for the rest of your life.
Knowledge is your power to make the difference
Because you can’t see it or feel it many people don’t know that bone loss has occurred till they break a bone.
It’s therefore a good idea to check bone density every two years.
Book your test know at Keirle’s Pharmacy, 31 Nanima Street, Wellington phone 6845 2059. (More information is at www.bonedensitytesting.com.au or phone 03 9822 0044)
