Women & Osteoporosis: Early Detection is Key

Theres important news for women about osteoporosis and the importance of bone density tests. New research shows that the most common fractures caused by osteoporosis, can be easily predicted years before they happen. Its estimated that older women in America suffer 700-thousand spinal fractures each year, the most common fractures caused by osteoporosis. 75 percent of these women never know it...believing its simply back pain. Researchers say that can be a serious, even deadly mistake. In a report in this weeks Journal of the American Medical Association, a team of researchers found that a single bone mineral density test can predict a womans risk of developing spinal fractures up to 15-years before they happen. The test, which calculates the amount of mineral in the bone, can also predict future fractures. Researchers are now strongly encouraging women over 50 to consider getting a bone mineral density test...and they say all women over 65 should definitely have one. It’s a painless, non-invasive procedure...and for women over 65, Medicare will cover the cost.