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Employee osteoporosis screening set May 3
3:53 p.m., April 5, 2004--In observance of National Osteoporosis Prevention Month, UD’s Employee Wellness Center is holding an osteoporosis screening on Monday, May 3, for employees and retirees over the age of 40.
Christiana Care Imaging Services will be on campus from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Room 122 of Old College to conduct bone density tests. The test consists of an ultrasound taken at the heel that measures bone density. Participants will be asked to remove one sock and one shoe during the test. Results are immediate, and participants whose tests indicate some risk of low-bone density will be encouraged to seek further testing, and a letter will be sent to their health care provider.
Cost for the test is 10 Wellness dollars.
To schedule a 5-minute appointment, call 831-8388.
According to the Employee Wellness Center, osteoporosis is not a normal part of aging. Individuals can prevent bones from becoming weak, brittle and more likely to break by following guidelines provided by the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Steps for healthier bones
- Ages 19 to 50 need a daily calcium intake of 1,000 mg per day. Persons over 51 need 1200 mg per day.
- Sources of calcium: Nonfat and low-fat dairy products including milk, cheese, yogurt and frozen yogurt. One cup of milk provides 30 percent of an adult’s daily calcium requirement. One cup of plain, fat-free yogurt provides 45 percent of the daily requirement. Two ounces of American cheese provide about 35 percent of the daily requirement. Calcium-fortified juices and dark green leafy vegetables, like broccoli and collards, are additional sources for calcium. Lactose (milk sugar) intolerant individuals can look for dairy products that are lactose-reduced and lactose free.
- Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and can be obtained through exposure to sunlight—about 10 minutes per day—and by eating certain foods, such as milk, eggs, salmon and yogurt. Vitamin D is also available as a supplement. The intake from a supplement should be at least 400 IU of calcium per day, but not more than 800 IU.
- Be physically active. An active lifestyle can help decrease the risk of fractures by slowing bone loss, increasing muscle strength and improving balance. Weight-bearing activities, like walking, running, dancing, team sports, climbing stairs or using weights in a gym, are especially effective in preserving bone density.
- Don’t smoke.
- Drink alcohol, if at all, in moderation—no more than one drink per day for women, two drinks for men. Alcohol hurts cells that build bones and lowers the amount of calcium in your body.
- Prevent falls. Make your house safer with methods such as using a rubber mat in the shower, keeping floors free from clutter and removing small area rugs.
- Get a bone density test. Find out about your current bone health and risk for a fracture. Schedule a screening for Monday, May 3, by calling 831-8388.
Article by Barbara Garrison
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