BONE Health

Think of your bones (all 206 of them!) as the superheroes of your body, protecting your organs and providing needed structure and support.

They have a big job to do, so what can we do to keep our bones happy?

1. Get your groove on: Dancing is not only a fantastic way to express yourself, but it's also a secret weapon for bone health! Moving to the beat can help improve bone density and strength. So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie!

2. Pump some iron: Weight-bearing exercise, like lifting dumbbells or doing bodyweight exercises, can do wonders for bone strength.

3. Get some vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin: Vitamin D is crucial for bone health as it helps our bodies absorb calcium. So, don't forget to soak up some rays (safely, of course!) or grab some vitamin D-rich foods like salmon, fortified milk, or egg yolks. Your bones will thank you!

4. Munch on calcium-rich goodness: Calcium is like the building blocks for bones, so it's essential to get enough of it. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious calcium-rich foods to choose from! Think yogurt, cheese, leafy greens, and even almonds. Healthy bones never tasted so good!

5. Avoid the bone bandits: We're talking about habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. These not-so-friendly habits can weaken our bones over time, so it's best to steer clear of them. Your bones will appreciate the extra TLC!

Bone health is a lifelong adventure, and it's never too early or too late to start taking care of your bones. So, let's get out there, embrace our inner superheroes, and give our bones the love they deserve.

When Should You Have a DEXA Scan?

DEXA (dual X-ray absorptiometry) scans measure bone density (thickness and strength of bones) by passing a high and low energy X-ray beam (a form of ionizing radiation) through the body, usually in the hip and the spine. This procedure is important for diagnosing (seeing if someone has) osteoporosis or bone thinning and may be repeated over time to track changes in bone density.

The amount of radiation used in DEXA scans is very low and similar to the amount of radiation used in common X-rays. Although we all are exposed to ionizing radiation every day from the natural environment, added exposures can slightly increase the risk of developing cancer later in life.