It’s widely known that getting older has a significant effect on bones in the human body, making them brittle and more susceptible to fractures. However, bone density isn’t just something seniors and pre-menopausal women need to worry about. Younger adults — and even children — have been found in recent research to have or be at risk for osteoporosis, but many don’t realize it because they don’t get bone density testing performed.

At Main Street Radiology in Bayside, NY, the accredited radiology facility and designated screening center for women explains the benefits of booking your bone density testing appointment with them as soon as possible:

• Enhanced Technology For Optimal Accuracy: At Main Street Radiology, the staff uses state-of-the-art technology on their procedures. Whether you’re getting a mammogram or an MRI, the team uses dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry — or DEXA — to check for signs of osteoporosis. Bone density testing is most often done using this type of technology, as it measures the amount of calcium and other minerals your bones contain. It is a relatively quick test and causes no pain. The DEXA X-ray is also preferred because it exposes you to less than one-tenth of the radiation of a regular X-ray. It is also one of the most accurate tests for detecting bone loss.  
• Preemptive Action Can Save Your Bones: Getting bone density testing done is an important way of identifying problems early, just like getting a mammogram can help detect signs of breast cancer early and an MRI can spot other illnesses early. Early detection is beneficial — if you find out you have low bone density early, not only can you take extra care not to break any bones, but you can begin on osteoporosis treatments that can slow bone loss or even reverse it if you’re young and healthy.
• Tracks Progression Of Osteoporosis: If you already have osteoporosis and are taking medication for it, getting bone density testing once every few years is beneficial to tracking the progression of your bone loss. Your doctor can determine whether your medication is working and whether you need to change your treatment options. Monitoring bone health is crucial for people who already know they have bone density issues.

For more on bone density testing, or to make an appointment to get your DEXA test done, contact Main Street Radiology at (718) 428-1500. You can also visit their website and find the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.